Comics: another way to write in English

Today's assignment was to create a comic strip in English using shareware available from Make Beliefs Comix (http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/comix.php).

Here is a brief quote from Bill Zimmerman (the creator of MBC) on the educational value of his shareware:
"Our best educators...understand that playing is learning...For those who teach...English as a second language, [Make Beliefs Comix] can be an invaluable tool in achieving [the] objectives. By writing dialogue for comic strips, students can practice using new vocabulary words, engage in make-believe conversations, practice writing sentences, hone storytelling skills, and work independently or collaboratively. Students in ESOL and literacy programs enjoy printing out the comics they create -- doing so validates their hard-won efforts."

My students were asked to link their comic strip to either their web page or their blog. Click on the links below to view the results:

Sandra - http://theriskistostay.blogspot.com/
Ivy - coming soon
Yvon - coming soon
Wafa - coming soon

"Modern Writing" web pages

Click here to view the web page I've created as a model for the Modern Writing course. From there, you can also find links for my students' web pages.

Response #1: Tibetan protests in China

1. Read the following web article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7308890.stm
After you've read it, we will discuss the key concepts as a group and come up with some key search words.

2. Using the key search words, find another article on the same topic. You'll want to find the article on a reputable website, and it will be most helpful if the second article presents some new information and/or another viewpoint.

3. Prepare a response to the articles you have read. Since we're blogging, your opinion is key, but you should also mention at least one thing from each article you have read. After I have reviewed your response, you can post it on your blog, along with links to both of the articles.

students' blogs

Below are the links to my students' blogs. They are works-in-progress, so please be patient!

Ivy (Vietnam) - pivy5989.blogspot.com

Sandra (Columbia) - theriskistostay.blogspot.com

Wafa (Tunisia) - wafa31.blogspot.com

Yvon (Cameroon) - yvon02.blogspot.com

first class

This blog was created to help students in the Modern Writing class develop their English language skills through using multimedia technology, including blogging.

Check back often for updates and useful links!