BP13_2009113_Peer Review of Web 2.0 Tools

@ Carrie - Pikikids

Sometimes it feels as though my curriculum gets monotonous, and at those moments I need an activity or a lesson that can spice up the day. Being able to turn to a Web 2.0 tool at this moment is invaluable. Knowing that I have these days, I took time to ensure I found at least one Web 2.0 tool which would give my students and I break, but at the same time, still have educational benefits. What I found was Pikikids.

Pikikids allows the user to create comics online. It is similar to ComicLife, except its target audience is kids and it is free. After you have registered for the site (all you need is a user name, password, and email address) you can begin creating a comic. There are several layouts you can choose from for the comic. Once you choose the layout, you begin to add pictures and thought bubbles to the comic. Pikikids allows you to search for pictures from Flickr directly from its site. When you are pleased with your comic, you can save and publish.

Obviously comics can be a fun, laid-back activity for the students, but what are the educational benefits of a comic? A comic can be used to get the students to synthesize information. After students have read a passage from any book, either a novel or a textbook, they can show they understood the material by turning it into a comic. Students could also use the comic format to create a storyboard for a paper they are writing.

Sometime you just have to step back and allow the students to breath.


Carrie - 
I have a second grade ESE student who will absolutely love this tool.  Up until a year ago getting him to put two words of any kind on a paper was near impossible.  His teacher inadvertently introduced comic strips and he took the concept and ran with it.  Getting him to not only write, but complete any and all of his assignments is now tied to the contingent that he gets to complete a comic strip at the end of his work sessions.  This fantastic tool will provide him with increased resources for artwork/ideas.  I was so excited after I checked it out I emailed his teacher and forwarded her the tool information so she could check it out and have it ready for him on Monday.  Roberto, his teacher, and I all thank you for finding and sharing this great tool.


Joanne