In the evolution of teaching, technology rules!

As the new generation of teachers, we have to find out ways of engaging students. When planning how to introduce a topic, we have to bear in mind the different and innovative methods and tools that are available. A way of doing so may be by the use of diverse approaches to teaching, as the task-based learning approach; and models such as Substitution Augmentation Modification Redefinition Model (SAMR) or Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK). 

https://holmeshsitworkshops.wikispaces.com/TPACK

http://msedtechie.blogspot.com.ar/2014/04/integrating-technology-using-samr-model.html

The main principle of the task based approach is that the tasks learners carry out are interconnected and lead to a last project . By the time the project is fulfilled, the topic will be completely taught and learned without students having realized it. It is by complementing the teaching with the use of any of the models mentioned before and taking advantage of technology, techniques and other skills that the learning becomes more enjoyable.

We worked on a project in which students had to create a comic using present simple and daily routines in Pixton. Thus, throughout the comic, the characters tell and show what they do in their everyday life. This page offers many options and variables to create a wide diversity of forms and styles; for example they can chose to edit the shape and position of each comic panel, give text and speech bubbles personality in any language (in this case, English), exploit creativity with shortcuts and templates, among others. What is more, they can share it instantly with friends, family, classmates and colleagues.

Why creating it using Pixton, and avoid pencil and paper? Apart from being more attractive and engaging, Pixton has other benefits that, following our unit, can be applied to the pedagogical field so as to integrate technology, content and pedagogy. The main purpose of the use of Pixton in this unit is that the materials created can be recycled and used the next year to teach the same topic to subsequent students. In this way, the recovery of digital images would be much easier than keeping papers and posters safe; besides, the use of a beamer to project the comics is another advantage as it is easier to access and does not need expensive printing.

Comic used to introduce the project.