My Mobile Learning Project

As part of my mLearning Project for my Mobile Learning course, I have created this blog series-- Digital Storytelling.

In this course, I have learned how mobile devices, such as cell/Smartphoones, mobile applications (Apps), and QR Codes can be used to enhance learning. 

My goal with this series is to share how you can make digital stories more exciting, especially for boys who are reluctant readers, if you incorporate current graphic storylines and layout. 

Below are the four graphic story forms that I would like to introduce to educators and parents.

• Comic Books;
• Graphic Novels;
• Anime; and
• Manga

Again, the posts in this series will provide you with some basic introductions to these styles' and their storyline structure.

So, why boys?

According to the Manitoba Education Department, “boys typically score lower than girls on standardized tests in the language arts” and “ do not perform as well as girls in reading and writing”.

Since technology is morphing our current concept of reading and writing, today's children need to develop their 21st Century skills if they want to be competitive in the work force of the future. 

Here's an interesting video, Boys Literacy-Engaging Boys in Reading, that shares one teacher's perspective.

So, let's begin our journey!

Tell Stories Digitally

What is Digital Storytelling?

According to Wikipedia, digital storytelling refers to a short form of digital media production that allows everyday people to share aspects of their life story.

The 'media' aspect may include the following:

• full-motion video with sound;
• animation; 
• stills; and
• audio only

You can even use 'non - physical forms' of media that exists as electronic files:

• paintings or photographs on paper;
• sounds stored on tape or disc; and
• movies stored on film

I have included some other examples for collecting images:

• drawing characters and setting manually or digitally;
• using existing pictures through magazines or online images; and
• taking pictures with cell/smartphone or digital camera

What online programs or software are available for free?

1. Microsoft Photostory 3-- This free software lets you bring your photos to life with music, audio, text, and image altering features.
2. Microsoft Movie Maker-- Another free downloadable software that let's you turn your PC/camera made movies and photos into a movie
3. Microsoft PowerPoint-- This program comes with Microsoft Office and you can use its 'animation' features to create an animated story.
4. This list is not an exhaustive one, but should be a good start for you!

Below is 10 minute YouTube video to teach you how to crate a digital story using PowerPoint-- Digital Storytelling: Animated PowerPoint Tutorial.

How do I create and teach a basic story structure to children?

What are some useful pre-writing tips?

 

Hopefully, this post has provided you with the basics of digital storytelling, including the free tools available to help you and young boys share stories!

QR Codes in Our Lives and Our Classrooms

Quick Response Code, aka QR code, is the the younger brother of the old UPC barcode found on most products that provide pricing, shipping, and product information.

The main difference between the two is that QR codes can not only perform the duties of a UPC barcode, but this younger sibling can interpret URLs!

Image: http://sageinternet.com/social-media/lost-messages-with-qr-codes/

According to our instructor and Wikipedia, the use of QR codes started in the mid 90s in Japan. Then 15 years later, major North American retailers, such as Macy's and BestBuy, made this code more popluar to use as a marketing tool.

So how would YOU use a QR Code?

As a fellow educator, I was amazed at the number of ways you can easily use QR codes to motivate creation and sharing of ideas, as well as promote learning!

In an online article titled, 50 QR code resources for the classrooms, you will learn amazing ways to create and share information in a variety of fun ways with QR Codes. (Thanks, Ben!)

Below are some quick examples:

• revieal pieces of a story with carefully selected links to QR codes;
• email, or print and cut out QR codes to give feedback;
• create a scavenger hunt with QR codes posted around the classroom, school, website, blog, wiki, etc;
• add an audio file to a QR code--tell a story, give instructions, and provide feedback;
• provide comments via QR codes to engage learners; and
• the list goes on and on!!

Did you know...

You can even color QR codes and place an image on them too!

Image : http://technorena.blogspot.ca/2011/04/custom-qr-codes-make-your-qr-codes-more.html

Image: http://onebiginternet.com/2011/02/the-complete-guide-to-qr-code-technology/

Another resource: Here's a short YouTube video demonstrating 37 Ways to use QR Codes in everyday life.

Free QR Generator: Here are a few links to get you started sharing stories and giving feedback.

• http://www.qrstuff.com/
• http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
• http://www.the-qrcode-generator.com/
• http://goqr.me/

So, go and have some fun creating QR codes with your learners!

Apps: Applying Applications

In the fourth week of our Mobile Learning course, we were asked to build a mobile application for our mLearning Project. Yes, an App!

At first, I was a bit concerned about creating an App for my project but then our instructor Ben shared numerous links to App Builder sites with us.

So, this made things a lot easier!

Then we were asked to present our project's App as if we were on Dragon's Den, a Canadian TV show where inventors go to pitch their product(s) to potential investors, the hosts.

Below, Steve Jobs Pitches iPad on Dragon's Den (British version)

As for our class, we pitched our ideas to each other via AdobeConnect to have a synchronous experience. While we did not record our presentations, I have placed a link to my PowerPoint to share my App-- eStory Helper. 

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/logungbemi-1760762-creating-estories-ml-presentation-loj0402-2013-rev/

What you will see are six slides with screen shots of my App. Basically, I pitched to the Dragons, my virtual classmates, about the type of information an online user would get if they visited my app, such as links and videos to amazing resources! And the bonus is the blog series that you are reading right now.

NB. I am currently trying to place a good audio track to accompany my short presentation, so please visit this post again to 'hear' those changes :)
 

My Experience using Apps.com

So, I went to www.appsbar.com to create my app which took about a week to be accepted for publication. Unfortunately, I have to pay $25 to Google Play to host it for me. However, I haven't paid yet...

On the upside, the site was quite user friendly once you understand that there are four 'page' types which only accept 'information' in certain formats. 

For example, in the Page Manager, the user can select these page types:

• URLs to enter one link per file;
• VideosList  to embed numerous videos;
• Contents to enter text, including links; and
• Contact to enter 'contact' information.

Links to App Builders

Our instructor, Ben, provided us with  some amazing links "for developing mobile apps that are ready to be used almost immediately and that require little to no knowledge of programming". (Thanks again, Ben!)

1. AppNRG: http://appnrg.com/free-app-builder-platform/#!prettyPhoto (Recommended)
2. Canappi: http://www.canappi.com/pages/getting-started
3. CoStore: http://costore.net/#/index
4. Dragorad: http://dragonrad.com/
5. Fivespark: http://www.fivespark.com/
6. Kony: http://www.kony.com/technology/develop
7. Mowares: http://www.mowares.com/ (Recommended)
8. ViziApps: http://www.viziapps.com/
9. Webmobi: http://www.webmobi.com/ (Recommended)
10. 5App: http://fiveapp.com/products/setup
11. AnyPresence: http://www.anypresence.com/solutions.php
12. Appsbar: www.appsbar.com (Recommended)
13. IceTip: http://www.icetip.mobi/web/

Take some time to visit these app building sites... remember that some of them are free while others are not!

Enjoy :)

Japanese Style with Anime

The University of Michigan's Japanese Animation Group, defines Anime as ...

Anime (ah-NIH-may) is a term for Japanese animation. Anime often covers more serious topics than the typical cartoon. In America, cartoons are considered a form of entertainment meant for children. In Japan, people of all ages watch anime. Most shows and movies are centered for kids, adolescents, or young adults, but there are also many anime that are made for the older crowd, even businessmen. There are many genres in anime with basic categories like comedy, romance, action, drama, and pornography (hentai). There are also anime with content meant specifically for boys (shounen), girls (shoujo), and businessmen. For more detailed explanations of the types of anime, take a look at our Genres section and hopefully you will learn something while viewing some great pictures.



After visiting the above site, you should have a better understanding of the history of Anime.

Some Other Useful Resources

• Here's Wikipedia's definition of Japanese Anime. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anime

• Learn about how Japan society had provided the backdrop for early Anime. http://aboutjapan.japansociety.org/content.cfm/anime_filmography_1

• Take a look at this site's animated shorts and learn about Anime Studio Pro software.   http://anime.smithmicro.com/userstories/scott-minzy.html

How to Draw Anime

Below you'll find some visuals demonstrating on how to draw and position facial features on anime characters.

Once you click on the titles, you will be taken to the original website where you can learn about drawing the whole body too!

How to Draw Anime Faces

Learn to draw children anime faces

Don't forget to share some of your learners' stories and experiences using Anime drawing style.

Comics in the Curriculum

In an article titled, More than just funny books: Comics and prose literacy for boys, found on the website Lessons in Learning, the authors share research on boys as reluctant readers and how graphic stories are gaining recognition in education!

Another fantastic thing about this resource is that it is Canadian, so it also discusses other areas of concern for our educators, including the state of eLearning in Canada!

Some years ago, I went to see an exhibit featuring a comic book about the Father of Manitoba, Louis Riel at La Galarie, an art gallery in St. Boniface. It is important to note that this part of the city has strong historical roots in French and Métis culture in Manitoba.

Below is the cover of the intriguing story of a young Métis man, Louis Riel, who advocated for his people's rights and in return was accused of treason.

Image : http://www.drawnandquarterly.com/shopCatalogLong.php?item=a4436b081216cf

Useful Resources

Here are some sites to familiarize yourself with the history of comics and most importantly the layout and structure.

1. Watch this Slideshare presentation by Alison Bailey to understand comic books better. http://www.slideshare.net/thealisonbailey/what-are-comics-building-a-workable-definition
2. Wikipedia provides a definition and lots of examples. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comic_book
3. This site is for the avid comic book lover. http://talkingcomicbooks.com/
4. Follow this blog to learn more about graphic novels for all reading levels. http://www.toon-books.com/blog.html
5. Even Disneyfamily.com discusses the benefits to using comic books as a motivational tool for literacy. http://family.go.com/parenting/pkg-learning/article-62812-pow--using-comic-books-to-get-kids-reading-t/

Now you should be on your way to teach others how to create digital stories using comic book structure!

What's a Graphic Novel?

According to the authors of a site called, Drawing Words & Writing Pictures, they define graphic novels as a 'long comic book' with other 'defining characteristics' on their home page--in a comic, of course!

But seriously, I really like how they included different perspectives of understanding graphic novels based the users' current interests and/or professions-- (Click on How to Use this Site, Tab)

• Educators; 
• Cartoonists; 
• Comic Readers; and 
• Students.

In my opinion, authors Jessica Abel and Matt Madden provide some excellent resources and even lesson plans for creating graphic novels.

The lessons provided have clear instructions and free online teacher's guides too! I really like how the lesson plans can be as short as a three day workshop or as long as a 15 week course. (Thank you!)

Honestly, I encourage you to check out this site!!

When I was working at my university book store, Maus was one of the first graphic novels I came across. 

This amazing graphic novel depicts the author's, Art Spiegelman's personal story of the Holocaust through the eyes of mice (Jewish people) and cats (Nazis) to represent the human characters.

Using animated characters, like the ones on this novel's cover, can evoke powerful emotions when reading this historical autobiography.

Image: http://mausgraphicmemoir.blogspot.ca/2012/07/art-spiegelman-graphic-style.html#!/2012/07/art-spiegelman-graphic-style.html

Some Useful Links: 

These links should give you a better understanding of graphic novels and their structure-- layout, characters, settings, etc.

• Definition provided by Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graphic_novel

• A great resource to give you tips on how to teach with graphic novels. http://teachinggraphicnovels.maupinhouse.com/

• Columbia Univeristy Libraries group comics and the like under their Graphic Novels Page. http://library.columbia.edu/eguides/graphic_novels.html  

Let's go learn about how the Japanese create graphic novels, such as Anime and Manga...
 

Creating Panels for Manga

If you want to use Manga comic book layout style to tell a story, it is important to have a basic understanding of the visual and spatial elements of Manga before you start on your adventure.

In this post, I am sharing panel structure tips that I learned from EHow's, How to Write a Manga Script.

Since Mangas are written as serial stories, the story line structure can become quite detailed and lengthy.

For this reason, I have listed the three main story parts in percentages rather than pages. 

• Introduction (20%), Main Plot (60%), and Conclusion (20%)

Other tips about the panels are...

1. Panel boxes are smaller than traditional comics.
2. Each page has four to six panels. (I.e. Five page section = 20 - 30 panels)
3. Big plot points should be shown in larger panels-- some pages only have one or two panels
4. Use a blank storyboard or make one on blank paper to plan the picture arrangement for each panel. 
5. Number panels in order and page numbers too!

Remember:

• Dialogue is simple while the characters' actions and expression are the main focus
• Focus on characters' feelings and make sure the characters' body actions and facial expressions are clear
• Use scenic images of  buildings, parks,etc. without characters in order to build a setting.

How to Read Manga

You should develop the habit of reading manga from right to left and from top to bottom. Keep this in mind before instructing others to write using a manga style.

Image: otakucentral.org

Image: http://www.mangatutorials.com/tut/mangastudio2_p.htm

Templates examples found at http://www.deviantart.com/morelikethis/160273720

While this comic book layout may seem challenging at first, it could provide for some very interesting stories--especially if you get the kids to exaggerate their emotions in pictures!

The Mystery of Manga

According to Dr. Katie Monnin, an assistant professor of literacy at the University of North Florida, Manga is written for boys (Shonen), girls (Shojo), adults (Seinen), and children (Kodomo).

This Japanese style comic book supposedly grew out of a comic exchange in World War II, but others interested in Manga would say that it started pre - American contact.

However, I really enjoed Dr. Monnin's explanation of the Manga story structure.  

Below, is a condensed version of her discussion on Characterization, Serialization, and Emotionality.

Characterization

1. Main characters

• self-driven and have unique personalities 
• physical appearance, such as clothes, body, and accessories, reflects character's personality
• special ability or skill allow all main characters to create a team dynamic
• Skill examples: magic, great swordsman

2. Supporting characters

• help main character develop and their ability
• Example: villain who goes after main character who has a magic ability. As a result, the main character's ability is strengthened through necessity.

Serialization

It is common for the story lines to be a serial that can continue for years, even decades. Interestingly, one of my favourite Japanese stories is Osama Tezuka's Astro Boy which Dr. Monnin says has been running for over 50 years!

Image: http://majorspoilers.com/category/astro-boy/

The author also mentioned that most manga titles have a loyal fan base. She listed the top three for adult readers as Dragon Ball, Naruto, and Full Metal Alchemist, just FYI!

Emotionality

According to Dr. Monin, 'emotional expression' is the most identifiable trait of manga and is believed to enhance the storyline.

Here's an example that demonstrates how the physical features of the female character change in the second panel due to her changing emotions.

Image: http://www.netplaces.com/cartooning/comic-books/japanese-manga.htm

Finally, Dr. Monnin provides some links for Manga resources for parents, kids, and teachers.

Online Manga for Parents and Kids

• School Library Journal -http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/blog/540000654/post/1450041145.html
• Manga for Kids – www.mangaforkids.com
• Good Comics for Kids – www.goodcomicsforkids.com

Teaching Manga

• Teaching Visual Literacy by Nancy Frey and Douglas Fisher
• Manga High by Michael Bitz
• Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga and Graphic Novels by Scott McCloud

Source: Graphic Novel Reporter

Special thanks to Dr. Katie Monin and her clear explanation of Manga story structure :)

Boys vs Girls--Tips Included!!

The Research

According to the Manitoba Education Department, boys can read, but they can be reluctant readers and less enthusiastic to read than girls. And apparently, there is less choice in literature for boys, which could be a challenge for educators and parents.

These findings have prompted the Manitoba government to create a resource titled, Strategies for Success, to help educators select  ‘appropriate resources for boys’ by understanding which topics interest them.
 

Below are eight great 'tips' to boost boys' interest in reading!!

Tip #1: Boys prefer to read stories that “reflect their image of themselves […] make them laugh and that appeal to their sense of mischief.” 

Tip #2: Boys prefer fantasy and science fiction stories, especially with a quest or missions.

Tip #3: Boys prefer visuals which make comic books, magazines, and newspapers make great choices.

Tip #4: “Boys thrive on the visual language of television, cartoons, and video games” because “boys are more oriented to visual/spatial learning”.

Tip #5: Boys understand and remember new information better when you present information in visual forms, such as graphic organizer

Tip #6: Boys enjoy group work compared to individual work because it allows them to discuss and share their ideas. 

Tip #7: Boys prefer dialogue based stories to descriptive narratives.

Tip #8: Boys will be more encouraged to read if they can write some stories too.

Now that you have a clearer idea of what boys prefer to read, let's learn about digital storytelling :)