Storyboarding using comic strip software has great potential for developing children's narrative skills in literacy. As well as desktop software, such as Comic Life, there are several online resources available.
- ToonDoo anounces itself as the 'World's fastest way to create cartoons!' The free service has a range of ready-made characters and backgrounds. Use the login chestered and the password chester to try it out or join up yourself.
- Pixton also appears to offer a quick and easy solution to comic creation with ready-made characters. It has a Schools service and a free 'Fun' version.
- MakeBeliefsComix has lots of ideas for teachers and a simple interface.
- Write Comics is a simple comic strip maker which, unlike Toonlet, requires no login, but its simplicity may be quite restricting.
- Chogger has a range of templates and integrates well with a webcam - a dedicated educational service is planned.
- www.pikistrips.com offers the facility to turn a sequence of photos into a comic. NB. The service was 'temporarily unavailable' when checked on 9/11/11.
- Bubblr is a tool for creating comic strips using images from the Flickr photo sharing service and it works well within its limitations.
- Marvel Comics' Super Hero Squad uses familiar characters from the publisher, which could be motivational or might limit its educational value. You decide!
- StripGenerator is distinctly weird!