Classroom tools are becoming more advanced, but sometimes it is the tools that stick to classic methods that prove to be the most effective. "Storyboard That" is one such tool that series a perfect balance between a tried and tested classroom activity and a little digital help.
Storyboards are effective in planning, communication, and reviewing, and most of all, they tap into a student's creative mind. Not all students are equally gifted when it comes to drawing so using a storyboard as a communication tool can prove difficult in some instances. Storyboard That aims to eliminate this problem by giving students a level playing field where they can unleash their creativity with the help of a simple digital tool.
What is Storyboard That
Storyboard That is an online storytelling and visual communication tool that allows users to create storyboards, comics, and videos. Storyboards are a series of panels that tell a story, and they can be used to help plan and organize ideas, as well as to communicate those ideas visually.
The 2-D medium is similar to the idea of a comic book, with multiple frames culminating in a story. Teachers can assess the work remotely and leave comments on the work, allowing students to complete their storyboards at home. Thus, it takes the basics of a blank storyboard worksheet and combines it with a multitude of predesigned elements to allow students to create vibrant stories of their own.
How does Storyboard That work & What Makes it Effective
Storyboard That is a wonderfully simple tool but with advanced features. The user can either select templates from hundreds of project layouts or start from scratch on a blank storyboard. There is also a range of storyboarding tools like characters, backgrounds, speech and thought bubbles, and frame labels.
The tool is highly effective as it can be used in a multitude of ways. The visual element unleashed a student's creative spirit and aids in the learning process. Teachers can also use the tool to create presentations or as a visual aid for communication with students and students can be assigned storyboards as a fun homework task.
How to use Storyboard That
The functionality of Storyboard That is simple and even young students won't have too much trouble using the program. First, select one of the pre-designed story layouts or start on a blank canvas. Using the easy drag-and-drop functions, you can add characters, props, and text to the blocks.
Some of the more in-depth functions let you change the colors of objects and characters and also change the position of their bodies and the expressions on their faces. This fine-tuning is not always necessary as there is such a wide variety available already.
There is also the option to add your own images, allowing students to place characters in familiar environments like the classroom or their home. This makes the stories more personalized than just using computer-generated drawings.
Best Storyboard That features for teachers
The fact that is it an online tool is one of the biggest benefits. Teachers are able to look at all student profiles and assess the work if it was completed at home.
The Storyboard That platform is also compatible with other platforms like google classroom and Microsoft PowerPoint. A very useful feature is the Timeline Mode where students can depict events over time or teachers can illustrate classroom planning over the term.
How much does Storyboard That cost?
The free version of the app only allows 2 storyboards per week with limited functionality. Individual use only allows one user but gives access to almost all of the program's functionality at $9.99.
There are bespoke plans for teachers and schools that can be customized. Single teacher pricing starts as low as $7.99 for one teacher and up to 10 students and is one of the most affordable plans. One teacher and up to 200 students will cost as little as $10.49 (paid annually) or $14.99 (billed monthly).
The Department, School & District payment option can either be calculated per student ($3.49) or $124.99 per teacher.
The latter two options offer a teacher, administrative, and student dashboard and teachers have access to all student accounts. There are thousands of images that can be fully customized and there is also the option to do audio recording.
Storyboard That tips and tricks for teachers
Here are some fun activities you can try with the class using Storyboard That
Classroom Story
Assign one frame to each student and let them create a story together. Once the first student has finished their frame, the next student must continue the story and so on. This will help students think logically and chronologically as they add to build a cohesive story.
Understanding Emotions
Once students have a hang of the functionality of the program, let them illustrate the emotions felt during a certain event. They should illustrate the emotions as they change through something that happens for example losing their wallet and finding it again.
Journaling
Use Storyboard That as a journaling platform where students can illustrate their week, month, or even term. An ongoing project will build a routine and give students something to work towards.
Review Work
History students will love retelling historic events through an artistic perspective. With effective storyboarding, they should be able to retell events that have been covered in class or give a presentation on a topic they should research on their own.
Class Avatars
Let students create detailed characters of themselves that can be used in classroom storytelling. The teacher can also use these avatars to illustrate classroom activities or use them in a presentation.
There are also a few simple tips to follow when creating storyboards to create effective stories:
Good Layout vs. Bad Layout
Help students to avoid clutter and think about the layout of the text bubbles and characters. Speech bubbles should read in order from left to right and there shouldn't be too much clutter in one area of the frame.
Change Posture
The character positioning function is very effective when trying to convey emotions. Help students to change the stance of a character, from its original position, to match with the words or thoughts they are expressing.
Resizing
Encourage students to resize the elements and not use them as they are placed in the frame. Adding layers and depth to the image will make for a more successful storyboard.
Consistent Editing
Encourage students to resize the elements and not use them as they are placed in the frame. Adding layers and depth to the image will make for a more successful storyboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a storyboard?
Multi-purpose visual aids like Storyboard That is one of the most beneficial tools in the classroom. Students are able to express themselves in a way they could not otherwise imagine. Many students are also visual learners and this tool offers them the opportunity to digest information more effectively.
How do you write a storyboard for elementary students?
Multi-purpose visual aids like Storyboard That is one of the most beneficial tools in the classroom. Students are able to express themselves in a way they could not otherwise imagine. Many students are also visual learners and this tool offers them the opportunity to digest information more effectively.