Background

= What are Digital Comics? = "Students and teachers can use comics to examine personal experiences in the form of narratives related to empowerment and empathy" (Williams, 2008).

Graphic novels and comics have become increasingly popular in schools and libraries and are particularly effective in engaging reluctant readers (Crawford, 2004). Comics have been used as a favorite of textbooks to help illustrate theoretical concepts and motivate struggling readers in gaining interest into the written text (Bolton-Gary, 2012). Digital comic generators have emerged as an engaging Web 2.0 tool that supports learning objectives connected to literacy skills, storytelling, character development, sequencing, design, and creativity (Hendy, 2010). Digital comics combine **characters**, **dialogue**, **setting**, and **action** so that students can express themselves **visually** and **linguistically**.

How do Comic Generators Work?

Most popular comic generators involve the basic steps below:
 * Select the number of panels you want
 * Create characters and avatars
 * Drag-and-drop scenes, characters, and props
 * Add speech/thought balloons and text boxes/captions
 * Click on elements within the panels to further manipulate character appearance and movement
 * Save and share

To Learn More about Specific Comic Creation Tools, Check out the Videos Below

__**Pixton**__

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__ **Bitstrips for Schools** __

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__ **Make Beliefs Comix** __

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__**StripGenerator**__ media type="youtube" key="jU1rBOnhZkk?feature=player_embedded" height="360" width="640" align="left"

Technical Requirements A computer or similar technology device (tablet or smart phone) is necessary in order to create digital comics. Most comic generators are web-based and require internet access. However, if you do not have internet access, students can make comics by using a template in Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint.

Ethical Considerations, Cost, and Parental Permission: Comics in the Classroom Free versions of comic creation tools, such as [|bitstrips.com] and [|pixton.com], may not be appropriate for K-12 students. School versions ([|bitstripsforschools.com] & [|pixton.com/schools]) require individual teachers or schools to subscribe for a monthly or yearly fee. Initially, teachers could introduce students to this technology and if the school and teacher agreed, purchase the right to use the comics creation software (the school/kids version). If the other, more "adult" versions were to be used by students, parents would need to give their consent (please see our Comic Creators wiki page for more information on this). Ethically, the student/school versions of comics creators like Pixton and BitStrips are just fine: they were designed with the K-12 student in mind.

Digital Citizenship: Comics in the Classroom Use of this software fosters the development of digital citizenship because students will be using their creativity, while at the same time adhering to the rules of their classroom, school, and district. Working in groups with comics and comics creators also helps develop students as digital citizens (please see our Standards wiki page for more information on this).

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