MakeBeliefsComix

=[|Make Beliefs Comix]=

[|A letter the creator of Make Beliefs Comix (Bill Zimmerman) sent out discussing the website.] [|An article discussing using Anime and Manga in the classroom.] [|A sample of a comic created using the website.]

Strengths

 * Free
 * Can use multiple languages //(7 different languages)//
 * The creator is able to bring either text or pictures to front of the screen
 * Able to create stories
 * Characters can display a wide range of emotions
 * No advertisement on the webpage
 * //Do not need an account to use the tools//
 * //Easy to manipulate//
 * //Can e-mail or print comics//
 * //Has some already created comics with missing dialogue//
 * //Illustrate any content//
 * //Fun for children and adults//

Weaknesses

 * Must use set characters, so you are unable to create your own.
 * There is not a wide variety of characters.
 * Limited choice of background colors.
 * There are only three choices for the number of panels: two, three, or four.
 * Story ideas are provided, and such ideas could hinder students creative ideas -- instead of figuring out what to create themselves, they would merely read the ideas. However, this aspect could be a strength for younger students.
 * Students will lose their work if they click on the back button when finishing their comic on the print/email screen.
 * //Site has advertisements//
 * //Cannot save comics as a file on your desktop-can only be printed and/or e-mailed//

// Opportunities //

 * Create internet comics
 * Can create the comics in a variety of languages -- English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese or Latin
 * Helps students take ownership of their work
 * //Students and or teachers can develop comics for various content//
 * //The comics are interactive and come with a variety of characters and objects to be used in the comic//
 * //Allows users to share comics with others//
 * //Comics are fun for children and provide them with a fun way to express themselves//

Threats

 * Asks for "author's name," so teachers must make sure that students do not post their names online.
 * Students can e-mail copies of their comic, which could potentially become a safety issue.
 * The website explicitly asks not to remove their credit, so it is important to make sure students know about copyright issues and that they follow this request.
 * //Students must e-mail the comics if turning them in to the teacher//
 * //E-mail addresses of students are being shared//


 * If working in a class that includes students with special needs, the teacher can have the students use the characters to display emotions. This would also be good for ESOL students.
 * The variety of languages make it a useful tool in foreign language classes.
 * Have the students use the comics to role play various situations.
 * Students can create a comic strip using that weeks vocabulary words. Allows the teacher to know the student not only knows the definition, but can also use the words in context.
 * Instead of writing a poem and illustrating it, students could write a poem and turn it into a comic
 * //Use created comic strips to teach character education lessons or expectations//
 * //Use with English language learners or students with language delays to build conversation skills//
 * //Use comic to sketch stories as a pre-writing strategy//
 * //Create content based comic where one character is explaining content to another (putting concepts into their own words)//
 * //Use for practicing grammar lessons//
 * //Students can summarize stories or demonstrate other literary elements using the comic strips//