A Bit of Strips?

I never knew such an innovative piece of technology existed until today - Bitstrips that is! If you know anything about 'facebook' you will probably appreciate Bitstrips. It is similar in the way that you can add friends and communicate, however Bitstrips allows the user to make cartoons that can and do convey meaning, describe/recount particular events, or just creative works themselves.

I really like this technology because it’s something just a little different. Something I never really thought about, let alone knew was invented. In relation to using Bitstrips in the classroom, I believe students could gain so so much from it, that it would be a disservice to your students if you did not apply it into the classroom.

The following points are reasons I believe Bitstrips should be used in the classroom:

- It caters for a broad array of Learning Areas - Art, Science, English etc.
- Allows students to be focussed on something interesting.
- Can be used as a part of an assignment, or just as free time.
- Means students are engaged.
- More likely to behave appropriately if students are content.
- The more interested a student is, the more likely they are to achieve something they consider 'worthwhile'.
- Students who are more 'technology inclined' are willing to help others (introduces collaborations).
- Also allows students to work independently.
- Caters for a range of abilities - all students can contribute as little or as much as they wish/are able to.
- Allows for open ended tasks.
- Students are not held back.
- Helps students in recounts ie. can be a visual stimulant for later writing a recount.
- Caters for Gardner's series of 'Multiple Intelligences'.
- Students are proud of their work, developing self worth and a higher sense of self esteem.

All in all, I truly believe Bitstrips can easily be integrated into the classroom, with little to no fuss. Once students get the hang it, unstoppable limits can occur!