PIXTON

Pixton is a website that allows teachers and students to construct their own comic strips. There are a variety of comic strip layouts, numerous character and background choices, and a ton of creative options  This is a great learner-centered tool that allows students to construct their own knowledge and display it in a way that is meaningful to them by allowing them to create comics representing their concepts and ideas.

Pixton is accessible through any web browser and can be accessed on phones, tablets, and computers. Pixton offers a free app for smartphone or tablet use. The website does not specify if there is a preferred browser to use.

For teachers, there are a ton of resources. You are able to create your own assignments or borrow from pre-existing ones. There are a variety of layouts to suit your instructional needs including timelines, mind maps, and storyboards. Pixton also allows for a lot of creativity. You can upload your own images for the background, you also have direct access to creative commons images.

Students can make comic strips digitally rather than by hand. Teachers can create a standard comic with blank text and have the students come up with the narration and comments to summarize a particular event. Students can create their own comics with specified characters or events to demonstrate their understanding of a certain event. Students can create their own comics with their own characters, settings, and text to construct their own knowledge about a concept, event, character, or anything else you can think of.  Students can customize backgrounds with their own images and change the color of skin, hair, and eyes of their characters.  The digital aspect of this tool makes it easier for less artistically inclined students to be encouraged and inspired.