Working with the software Comic Life for our most recent group project was a very positive experience. There are three specific elements of Comic Life that make it a worthwhile technology tool to integrate into the curriculum. First of all, Comic Life was easy to figure out even with little to no formal training on the program. The ease of use I had tells me that my students will be able to catch on just as quickly or even quicker than I did. In addition, Comic Life is an incredibly versatile tool. Comic Life software can be used by teachers as a teaching aid, or by students to improve their learning. I can see students from all grade levels utilizing the software in a variety of subject areas. Bottom line is this: Comic Life can be bent to fit the needs of the teachers. Therefore, any teaching objective can be satisfied through the use of this software. Lastly, the use of Comic Life is incredibly motivating and engaging for kids. I think that it is easy for teachers to get stuck in a teaching rut; constantly varying your teaching methods can help prevent getting stuck in a mundane teaching cycle that is difficult to break. At the same time, the students of today require more and more to sustain their attention. Our students live in a digital age where computers and Web 2.0 technologies are a focal point of their everyday lives. We as teachers need to incorporate technology constantly to be able to successfully reach this new kind of learner.
As I worked with Comic Life, I started thinking of all the ways that I could integrate the software with my own teaching. With my ideas and thoughts, came a few concerns. Considering the benefits of using this software, the cost of purchasing the software seems minimal. However, once a purchase is made, I wonder of the license will be able to be spread to multiple computers. I see Comic Life being at its most effective when students are able to get their hands on the software to make educational products of their own. However, this could not productively happen in a classroom with only three computers available for student use. I see my students interacting with Comic Life in our school computer lab where every student has access to a computer of their own. If a license is purchased, could this program be downloaded to all the computers in the lab? If so, could I do it myself or would our county technology specialists have to get involved? There are several logistical issues I would need to work out involving the use of this software, but I do believe all the work would be worth it in the end.
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I agree that ComicLife is a great tool. However, I also see your concerns with purchasing licences for student use. I feel my school system would really question a request for this application. I hate that because I loved ComicLife and feel it would appeal to students, too.
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