I just ran across this site on Classroom 2.0 in the video section. The video was about an initiative in Europe to use comics in the classroom as a teaching tool. The video was ok, and I will post it. However, the link was much more informative. The Edu Comic Project site has several good tools to use as well as many more links to additional resources.
One of the more interesting uses of comics in the classroom mentioned on the site is to use them for language learners. One of the hard parts of teaching a learning a second language is having a “real” place to practice the language in different settings. Comics would be a way around this. Though students my not be communicating back and forth with another speaker, they are setting up dialogues between two speakers. This has to be the next best thing to actually talking with someone. The reason I think students will like this is that the speaking will take place in a non-threatening environment. Also, the teacher can check and make sure grammar and spelling are correct.
This has really got me thinking. I think that comics could be used in most classroom settings, regardless of the subject, from low grades to high grade levels. Comics are als a great differentiation technique because students can show what they know at a particular level. Looks like I am going to have to do some more looking into this comic in the classroom thing!
Thanks for the video. I do webcomics (we use ToonDooSpaces but I am going to use Bitstrips for Ed this summer for a camp). I like how the educomics folks are looking closely at how webcomics are being used in the classroom.
I was on a webcast of Teachers Teaching Teachers with the Bitstrip folks, talking about comics with students, if you are interested: http://teachersteachingteachers.org/?p=256
Take care,
Kevin
Thanks for the link. I just finished listening to the podcast and spent the rest of the afternoon playing with Bitstrip. I think it definitely has potential for use with students. I like how it has lot of options when creating each panel. This might take some time upfront for students to figure out, but they will be able to produce some good stories because of this. Thanks again!