Introduction
I view the use of comic strips as an useful tool of instruction because it has the ability to increase the learning opportunities for my students in the classroom both as a learning tool but also as a demonstration of learning for students. With the use of comics or graphic materials, students can easily comprehend the information because it provided in a very visual format and also the content is distributed in chucked formatted. The combination of high-quality graphics and chuck size information makes the learning experience a win-win for all learners. On the other hand comics can be used as a means to demonstrate student learning.
Majority of my students are visual learners. I have used comics to support students understanding of different topics from Social Studies to Math. Students were able to plan how they would address the problem by using a story board, which also assisted them in looking at the details of the problem/project. After completing the storyboard, students jumped in to drawing and illustrating their comics, which I believe is the best part. A high-level of student engagement was demonstrated in throughout this process because students took ownership of their learning and ideas. This same process can be applied to the use of movies and animation. They all serve as excellent learning tools, but I strongly believe the use of these tools in the hands of the learner is ultimate goal. When students are able to demonstrate their learning by using these tools, additional skills are being addressed. For example, collaboration and reflection are two key skills that are consistently reinforce throughout this process. Students work with others to build on their shared idea. Students seek other students as well as the teacher for support as they reflect on the quality of their work—in an effort to improve the overall final project. Through the use of innovative practices like this and combined with 21st century skill, our student will become global thinkers.
Conclusion
To apply the concept of funny visual stories, I have shared the sub-pages of Project 2. For Project 2, I used a software application called Comic Life. The application allowed me to upload photos and apply comic book features to produce a story that support literacy development. The comic strip take place in a 3rd grade classroom with three 3rd grade students as main characters. This project reinforce the concept of literacy development, character education and the review of math concepts. With the use of this type of graphic material, students can easily process the information because of the visual format and chucked content.