Comic Life in the Classroom

Comic Life Teachers, What are some of the primary factors that teachers struggle with in getting students to achieve in middle school and high school? If you listed apathy, lack of focus, off-off task behavior and below average skills, then Comic Life can help you.

Comic Life What is Comic Life and why should teachers use it?

What is Comic Life? Comic Life is a user-friendly software that enables teachers and students to create comic books, graphic novels and photo scrapbooks.

How Can It Help Teachers? There are many applications for using Comic Life in the classroom. 1) It is a tool that hooks and maintains students’ attention. 2) It can be used to support curriculum standards. 3) It develops reading comprehension, writing, creativity, and technology skills.

Why Will It Work? Today’s students are growing up surrounded by technology. They are accustomed to vivid interactive games and personalized technology such as iPods, iPhones and Xboxes. They are also accustomed to social interactive websites where they display their personalities and creativity.

Why Will It Work? Teachers are competing with technology for their students’ attention. Therefore, Comic Life gives teachers an edge! - Students can download their own pictures for interactive publishing such as journals. - Students love the cartoon appeal and vivid colors used in Comic Life. - Students actually get to use technology and develop hands-on skills. - Instead of writing summaries on assigned reading, students can create pictorial summaries that demonstrate comprehension and are fun to create!

Why Will It Work? Teachers can also use it in the classroom to create the following: Study guides for any subject (students love comic books as a study guide) Instruction manuals for projects or group stations Test preparation skills practice Spelling and vocabulary picture association Word problems or discussion prompts Math and science narrated directions

Students can use it to improve reading comprehension skills!

Students can tell a story about what they learned on a visit to the zoo!

Use it to teach a history lesson or create a colorful study guide! In the space below, identify some of the causes of the Civil War. _______________

Use Comic Life to introduce a unit.

It can replace standard notes!

How Easy Is Comic Life to use? Just follow eight easy steps!! Directions for using Comic Life Step 1   Go to www.comiclife.com. You will see a page that says, “Comic Life- Your Life in a Comic”. Click on “Find out More”.                         

Directions for using Comic Life Step 2 This page asks you to choose a thirty-day trial subscription or pay for a year’s subscription. Click on the thirty-day trial.

Directions for using Comic Life Step 3 A blank sheet of paper will appear which is called the interface. On the right will be templates to choose from. Choose the one you want to use and drag it to the blank sheet on the screen.

Directions for using Comic Life Steps 4 and 5 You will then add an image. (These images will be from your saved images from any folder on your hard drive or mounted disks. Choose the image and drag. It will fit as you place it on the panel of the template. Adjust as needed.) You may select a style for your image that is a feature offered by Comic Life or you can leave your image as is.  

Directions for using Comic Life Steps 6, 7, and 8 Next, you add text. Drag your text to the panel where you want to add your text. There are several options at the bottom of your page to choose from. Add your text.   You may select a balloon to add speech or thoughts to your image. Drag your balloon to the image and write your message in the balloon. You may have more than one tail on a balloon for multiple speakers. In this event, you may add tails to the balloon. You may want to use the options available. Save your Comic Life in paper or digital form. You are done!

Try It! The media specialists have downloaded Comic Life on some of the computers. The icons are on the desktops. Using the directions handout, take a few moments to create your own comic strip. Remember, you can use pictures saved under “My Pictures” or you can download pictures from another site. In eight easy steps, you can create fun and interesting supplements for you lessons. Don’t forget that this is also a great tool for students!

Questions or Comments? Here are some common questions that teachers frequently ask: 1) How much does Comic Life cost? Teachers and students can purchase personal copies for $19.95. 2) Can Comic Life be installed on multiple computers? The county can purchase a group license for teachers to use (with a 250 minimum seat license, teachers get free home installation!). 3) Can installation be done by the teachers or does a work order need to be submitted to the tech specialist? The county requires a work order. 4) Are there school funds to purchase Comic Life or any grant opportunities to apply for? Yes. Check with your department head.

Feedback If you have any questions regarding creating your own comic strip, please contact any of the presenters. Additionally, while you are at the computers, please take a moment to complete the on-line survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=kjkP4hgUcj_2fc5rxsNRqxwQ_3d_3d