Pixton can be used at any point in a STEM lesson or project. It can be used as a pre-writing activity, where students create comic strips to plan their ideas before writing a research paper or a lab report. It can also be used as a post-activity reflection tool, where students create comics to reflect on what they have learned during a lab or a project.
Before using Pixton in STEM teaching, teachers should familiarise themselves with the tool and provide students with a brief tutorial. During the activity, teachers should monitor student progress and provide feedback to ensure students effectively communicate their ideas. After the activity, teachers can use the comics created by students as a basis for further discussion or to showcase student work.
Before a session:
⦁ Determine the specific learning objectives and decide on the interactive elements to be added, such as text, links, or embedded media.
⦁ Familiarise yourself with the Pixton platform, including its features and customization options.
⦁ Organize the media files and prepare any supporting materials or instructions that will support the session.
⦁ Ensure that students have the required devices and internet connectivity to access and engage with the Pixton content.
During the section:
⦁ Guide students as they explore the platform’s features, encouraging hands-on practice and experimentation.
⦁ Based on an assignment or project, ask students to:
⦁ Go to the Pixton website or app and create an account or log in.
⦁ Choose a comic template or start from scratch.
⦁ Customize characters’ appearance and poses.
⦁ Design panels and layout on the canvas.
⦁ Add dialogue, captions, and text bubbles.
⦁ Enhance with backgrounds, props, and effects.
⦁ Review, edit, and fine-tune your comic.
⦁ Save and share your comic using a link or embedding.
⦁ Provide real-time support and address any questions or challenges that arise.
⦁ Foster a culture of collaboration by facilitating group discussions, encouraging students to share their work and provide feedback to their peers.
⦁ Monitor students’ progress, offering guidance and suggestions for improvement.
After a session:
⦁ Review the result to assess its effectiveness in meeting the learning objectives.
⦁ Gather feedback from students on their experience with the tool. Reflect on any challenges or successes encountered during the session and consider how the interactive content can be improved or refined for future use.