Cartoons and Comics

ToonDoo

http://www.toondoo.com/

ToonDoo allows users to create a free account to create comics or books using an array of characters, backgrounds, and conversation bubbles. Opening an account is very easy, but with the free account a user does not have many choices. When creating my comic I had to use very basic characters and I couldn’t even get the backgrounds to work for me. Once I created the comic saving it was very easy because I was allowed to save it to my computer which was very convenient. Once comics are created users have the option of saving it to their computer or emailing it to their friends. Although using the site was easy I would not use this particular one with my students because it takes too long to load the images into the comic strip and my 6th grade students tend to be very impatient so for them this is not the adequate program.

Pixton
https://www.pixton.com/   Pixton also allows users to create a free account, but the drawback is that the free accounts only last a few days. A regular free account is only valid for 7 days and accounts for educators are only valid for 15 days. Since I created a free account I was very limited on the backgrounds and characters I could use and to be honest the characters and backgrounds available were not very visually appealing. From all the programs I used Pixton was the most difficult to use. It was definitely not user friendly and I would not recommend it for use with students. Another drawback to Pixton was that you are not allowed to download the comic that you create to your computer because that is a feature only available to paying customer accounts. I did not like this at all because the only way to share is to embed the comic or copy the URL link to the comic.

MakeBeliefsComix
http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/

My favorite by far was MakeBeliefComix! It was so easy to use and creating the comic was very fun. With MakesBeliefComix users are not required to create an account at all. All a user needs to do is simply go to the website and get started creating their comic. Users have different characters to choose from as well as various backgrounds, conversation bubbles, and additional props. After finishing the comic users are able to save it to their computer, print it, or email it to friends. This site was very user friendly and easy that it took away the stress of creating a comic. I had a really good time creating the comic strip and I know my students will too because the program is so easy to use. This website is perfect for students to use in the classroom and in the library because it does not require an account. I will definitely be using this program with my students and I recommend it to classroom teachers and librarians. Through this website students can create comic strips based on what they have been learning in class in a fun and creative way that is very quick to use.

Tellagami

The final program I want to highlight is an app called Tellagami. A user can download it for free on their iPad. This app lets users create a character, add a background, and add a voice recording for your character and the final product is called a gami. The possibilities for incorporating this app into the school library are endless. I for example, would create them to promote upcoming library activities, library announcements for parents, book talks, quick student presentations, etc. I definitely recommend that school librarians and teachers use this program especially because the kids would enjoy it. An added perk to this program is that it is very easy to use.

">