Storyboards

In this reflection, we will take a look at four free storyboarding software available. The main focus of this reflection will be the site ToonDoo. I will then compare Toondoo to rivals: .

A general description of ToonDoo

ToonDoo

Toondoo is a described as being the "World's fastest way to create cartoons!". It is a web-based application that allows users to create comics with just a few clicks, drags and drops. The site mentions that it is designed for kids and the pages have a young look and appear to be designed more specifically for teens and pre-teens, however this young and energetic look would also be refreshing for more mature users. Based on the set-up of the site, I would suggest that this is too advanced for younger users.

An account of your personal experimentation

The site is split in to five sections:- ToonDoo Maker, Book Maker, TraitR, ImagineR and DoodleR. Each section enables users to complete a part of the creation process and avoids an overwhelming system with too many features. I started with the first tool, the ToonDoo Maker. The page uses Adobe Flash which creates a fluid and colourful interface, although this would have to be preinstalled on any machine before using it with students. Although all backgrounds and characters are pre-drawn, what I enjoyed the wide variety of characters available. It gives a large range of possibilities for students to make many different and interesting comics. The images are very basic however, the quality makes me thing of old Clipart from the 90's which isn't too visually appealing. Once objects are inserted in to the storyboard the tool bar at the bottom of the page is easy to use and the icons help clarify the functions.

After making a plan and playing around with the features in the ToonDoo Maker, I realised that all of the tools are available from the bottom tool menu. This is the best feature by far. The fact that users can switch between various tools to create the one cartoon is very effective. I clicked in to the TraitR feature which allowed me to create a character. I was impressed by the amount of customisation available for making faces. Every detail could be controlled, it was all very easy to do and fun too. (SCREENSHOT)

Finally, I tried out the ImagineR feature which allowed me to upload images from my own personal gallery. This is a fantastic feature which, in my opinion, is essential for users to create a personalised cartoon as you can add photos or drawings made by yourself. The best part of this is the Goofify feature, which allows you to morph images. This gives particularly great results when playing with photos. (SCREEN SHOT)

All-in-all, there were very few difficulties. However, once I had made my vignette, complete with images and a backgrounds, I didn't know how to add new pages. I used the Help Assistant, however this offered no help at all as it just pointed me to the benefits of creating an Educational profile. After clicking around for 15 minutes, I came to the conclusion that this is a feature that either doesn't exist or is very difficult to find.

See below for two reviews of the website:-

https://www.teachersfirst.com/single.cfm?id=8499

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/website-reviews/toondoo

An analysis on the use of the technology in class for ESL

A software such as ToonDoo has a great potential for use in class. It is a good tool for using in activities which require creative writing, for example. However, this will need a specific project in mind or a focus from the teacher to ensure that the time spent making the comics is productive in terms of using the target language. What springs to mind would be creating writing. Also, it made me think of project I have already used with students in the past. We were making posters to place around the school to remind students of the school rules and best practise in the school corridors and courtyards. For this project students made posters but I found that only students who really enjoyed art were motivated to take the time to deliver the project to the best of their potential. using a service such as ToonDoo would allow students who maybe were not very confident in art to make a great comic to illustrate the same points. I think it is always worth bearing this option in mind when conducting any art project.

It also is worth noting that the software is only available in English which means that students will be learning and using the functional language of the site while they are creating their comic.