Pixton – Cool Free Web-based Software

Cartooning is made easy and accessible for all students with this free web-based software. Pixton is a free web-based software that allows students to create comic strips. Pre-Made characters are built as “puppets” so students are free to pose them however they would like. There are a built-in pre-made poses for anyone trying to get that perfect karate kick. Students are able to make comic books for free, but if additional features are desired pay options do exist. 

Howdy Partner

Students have never been more engrossed in a web-based software than when we used this one. The customization and freedom of expression worked great for my students. That said on my end there were a couple of challenges. Students can only make 6 panels so if their story extended, they had to make a “second” comic strip. For assessment, sending links does not work. What we decided to do was have students pull up their comics on a computer, have each comic strip on a different tab and we did a gallery walk of sorts. This worked well enough.

With Customizable Swimwear

How does this fit into a math classroom? Again very very carefully. This is the type of project that without solid structure on the teacher’s part can be on the fast track to learn-nothing-about-math-ville. In other words, the math project plague. I’ve been there. I’ve had students look up their favorite car on the computer to find the price and features. I know how this can become a dreadful waste of time without solid structure. At times, I like students to conclude a math project with some sort of analysis presentation whether it be a PSA or a jury trial. This can just as easily be used for those conclusions. How I use class time with this is the careful issue. It is certainly something I’m more likely to ask students to do at home.

I have used this software in my technology class. I asked students to imagine the world in 2030 and included 10 science-based inventions that are in development today. I asked students to construct a narrative built around a character trying to accomplish a goal. Basic story structure. I had some really awesome projects that exceeded my expectations. If you are also teaching English, Social Studies, Science, World Language, etc. this might be a really cool resource for you.

Would I use this in a math class? There are only a few topics I would even consider it (such as translating algebraic and verbal expressions). Otherwise it might serve best in a role play where someone is teaching someone else a math concept. I don’t feel a rock solid foundation that connects to a math concept, so I’d be extremely hesitant. Nonetheless, it’s super duper fun and someone in your building may love it!

Xtranormal – Cool Free Web-based Software

Would you like to have students debate a problem, brainstorm a solution, or teach in a creative an interactive way? Xtranormal is a great option for letting students explore their creative side and verbalizing their understanding in a middle of high school project. There is a free version of the program on the web, but like many other services they have more elaborate pay options. I have found that the free version works fine in my class. Students email me the link to their presentations for me to watch them and I’ll pick a few of the best to watch in class.

Pixar, here we come! Okay, not really.

Students are able to select from a cadre of pre-made character, animate the movements with a simple interface and write the dialogue for the characters to speak. Their lips sync right to the words.
How would I use this in a math class? Very carefully. Obviously this isn’t necessarily the most rigorous project option, but it certain can be engaging. I’d be more likely to perhaps spend one day in a computer lab and assign it as homework for over a weekend. Students will not be crunching numbers, but if you create a strong rubric it can help a student with their verbal expression of the content and help build their vocabulary.

Pose them if you dare!

Obviously without mathematical relevancy, this could end up being one fun complete waste of time. Extending beyond the math classroom, you could perhaps find it as a more relevant tool in another subject area. I have used this in my technology elective. Also at times, I like students to conclude a math project with some sort of analysis presentation whether it be a PSA or a jury trial. This can just as easily be used for those conclusions. How I use class time with this is the careful issue. It is certainly something I’m more likely to ask students to do at home.

Nonetheless, check it out. Who knows? It might help you for your next grad school class presentation or department meeting! Or you can just pass it along to other teachers in your building!

OpenClipart.com -- Cool Website Spotlight

Need awesome, cool, free clipart that makes you say boomdiggy? Want to tweak it for your own liking for your own high school math project? Want to put your school’s logo on every picture you ever put on an assignment? If you read the blog on Inkscape, downloaded it and learned a little bit about node editing, you are totally ready for the next step -- Openclipart.org. Even if you aren’t ready to edit clipart, you can still get cool free clipart!

Free. Check. Awesome. Check. Boomdiggy. Check

Openclipart.org, is an active community where new, free clipart is added daily. For a number of projects, I have used this clipart. Of course, I have to put my own unique spin on it, but it certainly gives a solid base. For instance if a 21^st Century Math Project needs me to draw a bonobo, I can find the best looking monkey image on the site and can use Inkscape to tweak it to make it look like my perfect swaggalicious bonobo. At least I didn’t have to draw a bonobo from scratch! 

Please stay tuned for the next bonobo focused 21^st Century Math Project in development. Likely to be released in 2031. If you missed the Inkscape blog piece, check that out here: BOOMDIGGY

I might be a chimpanzee holding a wrench, but soon 
I'll look like a bonobo sans wrench.

It’s silly, but adding relevant clipart, using different text AND making a piece of paper look cooler does affect the perception of the assignment. This applies for children and adults. Now don’t get me wrong, if you add a piece of clipart, but don’t understand how to make the text fit around it (Wrap Text: Square with Justified text are my favorite options in Word).

Would you like a little more help with Inkscape? Let me know in the comments and I can get super nerdy-specific with screenshots that can help you get started making your own clipart!