Creating a comic strip can be fun and educational for students, as well as highly engaging. Doing this by hand can be great for those people lucky enough to have the ability to draw. However, in current times as well as for those, like me who are artistically challenged in the area of drawing, there are digital options. The great thing about these options is that there are preloaded characters, props backgrounds and many other artistic touches. I used the following sites to create the following comic strips as an example:
ToondooUnfortunately Toondoo is no longer working due to data breaches.
Pixton
I created this comic strip using pixton:
https://Pixton.com/ic:fflnazzq
Pixton was easy to use and had different backgrounds available in different categories. However, when initially choosing characters there were limited choices. Once you get into the layout of the comic strip you can add more characters but it was a little more difficult to discover. There are upgrades if you want to subscribe to Pixton. However, I found that what was given for free was adequate for students to create their own comic strip.
ToondooUnfortunately Toondoo is no longer working due to data breaches.
Pixton
I created this comic strip using pixton:
https://Pixton.com/ic:fflnazzq
Pixton was easy to use and had different backgrounds available in different categories. However, when initially choosing characters there were limited choices. Once you get into the layout of the comic strip you can add more characters but it was a little more difficult to discover. There are upgrades if you want to subscribe to Pixton. However, I found that what was given for free was adequate for students to create their own comic strip.
Make Belief Comix
I made this comic strip using Make Belief Comix.
Make Belief Comix has limited characters and props and the additions do not always load when working. With that said, This seems to be the most kid friendly comic strip maker that I found. You do not have to create an account or log in to use it, but you can if you want it saved online. It doesn’t overwhelm students with too many choices and allows them to write in comic book format, with thought bubbles and decent clipart.
Canva
I wanted to review 3 different sites so I searched and discovered that Canva also does comic strips. This is what I created:
In my district students cannot access Canva from school computers. In fact, recently it was taken away from teachers to access on a school computer as well. Though there hasn’t been a specific reason given for teachers, I am still using it through my home computers. I enjoy the free graphics and work on many projects here. That said it is very adult friendly and easy to use.
Digital Comic Creators
Overall, the three comic creators I reviewed can all get various jobs done. The choice of platforms really depends on the assignment expectations. If it is something that is a storyboard for students, Pixton and Make Belief Comix are great options. If you are a teacher, adult or even a student in secondary then Canva is a great resource as well.
As a school librarian, when back in the library next school year, I plan on introducing students to these comic strip creators. Until then, I am going to create screen casts on how to use all three of these platforms for teachers, to help them with potential additions to distance learning activities.
In my district students cannot access Canva from school computers. In fact, recently it was taken away from teachers to access on a school computer as well. Though there hasn’t been a specific reason given for teachers, I am still using it through my home computers. I enjoy the free graphics and work on many projects here. That said it is very adult friendly and easy to use.
Digital Comic Creators
Overall, the three comic creators I reviewed can all get various jobs done. The choice of platforms really depends on the assignment expectations. If it is something that is a storyboard for students, Pixton and Make Belief Comix are great options. If you are a teacher, adult or even a student in secondary then Canva is a great resource as well.
As a school librarian, when back in the library next school year, I plan on introducing students to these comic strip creators. Until then, I am going to create screen casts on how to use all three of these platforms for teachers, to help them with potential additions to distance learning activities.
Thank you for your blog post! I agree with you about MakeBeliefsComix not working properly sometimes. Your post was very informative. I didn't even think to use Canva, or even creating the famous screencasts we just learned about. So thank you for that reminder!
ReplyDeleteI really like your Canva comic. My heart is all in for using Canva for everything so it was super cool to see your review of the comic builder. I had no clue comic options were available. great post!
ReplyDeleteThat's a great idea to make screencasts on how to use the comic strips. While it's good for us to experiment and familiarize ourselves with these programs to actually learn them, teachers would much rather have a mini-lesson. I should probably try out Canva. I have heard that name a lot, but haven't used it before.
ReplyDeleteI have never used Canva, I will have to look into it. It looks like a great option for students to use. I really like your comics, they were very creative.
ReplyDelete