Creating comics for professional and instructional use is a fun pathway to learning. I used makebeliefscomix.com to create a mini lesson about cell phone use in the classroom. Before you begin, DO NOT USE BACK BUTTON or you will lose all of your work. I learned this the hard way, but like in most projects, editing improves your final product. This site has easy to use pop-up balloons for thoughts and speaking, as well as tools for scaling the size of the images.
I like this site because it’s free, easy-to-use and has a selection of cute characters that you can change in a few different ways to show emotion. It takes a few minutes to learn, but I think even very young students could benefit from playing with makebeliefscomix.com.
For example, young readers and writers could be given a list of vocabulary words and they could write impromptu comics or write a brief script and than create their comic strip.
http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Comix/?comix_id=23737783C166412
The nice thing about www.makebeliefcomix.com is that it offers writer’s prompts, teaching resources and other educational tools.
The following link offers 21 ways to use www.makebeliefcomix.com in the classroom.
http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/How-to-Play/Educators/
Toondoospaces.com
Just launched September 16, 2009, check out the blog at http://toondoospaces.webblogs.zoho.com/
I checked out http://www.toondoospaces.com. This has both free and paid components. You can create your own characters or use pre-drawn characters. It seems a bit complex, but once you play with it you could create very interactive and ornate cartoons for many use. See the demo videos, they are very comprehensive.
ToonDooSpaces should be a fun way to learn for all ages. It’s unique and should encourage engagement for anyone interested in using. It can be used to learn new concepts, skills and even languages. It can also be used for students to collaborate on projects and is a productive tools for both teachers and students. It is a good addition to social networking for education.
http://www.toondoospaces.com/demo/
This link takes you to a nice slice presentation about Toondoospace.com
http://www.slideshare.net/shend5/tap-into-the-world-of-comics?src=embed
I went to stripgenerator and made a similar comic strip about cell phones and Ms. Chuckles at the following link.
http://tapflorida.stripgenerator.com/post/tapflorida/2009/11/15/ms-chuckles/
Overall, comic strips can be a useful education tool. I think they would also be useful for online classes. For example, if you want to make some fun instructions for a mass media course, why not use a cartoon format to tell your students where to find information.
GLOG
I found glogster. It is an interesting site to make posters with. They are called glogs. Not sure what the g stands for, but with a little time, anyone could create a nice poster. This could be used for making posters in schools for recycling, environmental issues, etc. My sample is: http://tapflorida.glogster.com/glog/
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Building Brand Awareness with Social Media: Facebook
Building “brand” awareness (you are your BRAND.)
I have expanded this from a recent posted outline.
When we say “brand”, we are really talking about your personal image or persona that people will see and learn about via your social interactions on the web.
1) Use your company logo or avatar (symbol) with your personal photo to help people “see” you online. This is an excellent time to update, freshen and get some good photos of yourself. You don’t have to have a professional head shot made, but do choose a photo that brings out your best qualities. Choose a photo that is friendly, inviting and professional looking. Don’t choose photo of yourself that might offend anyone (avoid having a shot of you drinking, smoking or partying). Remember, your image will be on the Web for the world to see.
2) Build Sphere of Influence (People are hanging out on the Web): You have access to your sphere of influence’s sphere. This is powerful! You know many more people than you realize. As with any networking system, start with the people you know. All social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn search through your email for possible friends requests. Start here and than watch your friend list grow as you make connections with former classmates, co-workers, friends of friends, etc.
1) Personal and Interactive: You are a real person, so interact as YOU! People want to do business with people not a company! When you first start using Facebook or any other site, it’s wise to Lurk (web talk for listen, watch and read). You will learn about your social community and this in turn will help you learn how to interact with your online friends.
2) Customers expect “instant” information and want to deal with legitimate, trustworthy PEOPLE. If you promote yourself as an expert, your social network will expect you to deliver regularly about what you know. The days of promoting yourself as a Superstar or No. 1 in your field are over. Now it’s about delivery. What can you do for me right now.
3) Permission-based marketing vs. Interruption-based marketing. You invite people to be part of your social group. If they accept, great. If not, that’s OK, too. The
4) Educate consumers. Your potential customers have probably already done their due-diligence. Be a Resource. Bring value to your clients. You can bring value to your social network in many ways. Not only can your provide information about real estate and mortgage information, you can provide local community information. You can always share a local news feed on your social sites, or provide information about local events. Use your imagination about types of quality information you can provide to your internet neighbors.
Your assignment for this month is to join Facebook. It’s simple. Just go to and follow the directions. Be sure that you create a complete profile, so others can understand who you are. Yes, please include me as your friend on Facebook: Tamara Patzer
I have expanded this from a recent posted outline.
When we say “brand”, we are really talking about your personal image or persona that people will see and learn about via your social interactions on the web.
1) Use your company logo or avatar (symbol) with your personal photo to help people “see” you online. This is an excellent time to update, freshen and get some good photos of yourself. You don’t have to have a professional head shot made, but do choose a photo that brings out your best qualities. Choose a photo that is friendly, inviting and professional looking. Don’t choose photo of yourself that might offend anyone (avoid having a shot of you drinking, smoking or partying). Remember, your image will be on the Web for the world to see.
2) Build Sphere of Influence (People are hanging out on the Web): You have access to your sphere of influence’s sphere. This is powerful! You know many more people than you realize. As with any networking system, start with the people you know. All social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn search through your email for possible friends requests. Start here and than watch your friend list grow as you make connections with former classmates, co-workers, friends of friends, etc.
1) Personal and Interactive: You are a real person, so interact as YOU! People want to do business with people not a company! When you first start using Facebook or any other site, it’s wise to Lurk (web talk for listen, watch and read). You will learn about your social community and this in turn will help you learn how to interact with your online friends.
2) Customers expect “instant” information and want to deal with legitimate, trustworthy PEOPLE. If you promote yourself as an expert, your social network will expect you to deliver regularly about what you know. The days of promoting yourself as a Superstar or No. 1 in your field are over. Now it’s about delivery. What can you do for me right now.
3) Permission-based marketing vs. Interruption-based marketing. You invite people to be part of your social group. If they accept, great. If not, that’s OK, too. The
4) Educate consumers. Your potential customers have probably already done their due-diligence. Be a Resource. Bring value to your clients. You can bring value to your social network in many ways. Not only can your provide information about real estate and mortgage information, you can provide local community information. You can always share a local news feed on your social sites, or provide information about local events. Use your imagination about types of quality information you can provide to your internet neighbors.
Your assignment for this month is to join Facebook. It’s simple. Just go to and follow the directions. Be sure that you create a complete profile, so others can understand who you are. Yes, please include me as your friend on Facebook: Tamara Patzer
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tools to Use: Social Media for Business
If you own a computer and use email, more than likely you have been invited to join some social network. If you haven’t jumped on Mr. Toad’s wild social media ride, it’s time. Facebook, LinkedIn, MySpace, Twitter and myriad other social sites are where today’s real estate buyers and sellers are socializing. As a matter of fact, if Facebook were a country, it would be the world’s fourth largest.
Try it
One of the keys to marketing success is visibility. Your online presence could include your personal website, corporate website, Facebook, LinkedIn, and myriad other online tools. Everything you do can help boost your visibility and helps make every other bit of your marketing efforts more powerful! You don’t have to belong to every social networking site out there, but do join one or two and try it. Find out what works for you. Embrace it. Social Networking should not be seen as a quick fix for your marketing woes, but Social Media should definitely be part of your media mix.
Create an online presence (interesting info for anyone interested in using social media for marketing)
According to the National Association of Realtors, more than 75 percent of people buying a home today start their search using the Internet. This means you need to have a presence. Don’t be in a big hurry to see quick results. Social Networking Marketing is about relationship building and trust. It takes time – expect 6 to 12 months to get any results. It’s a long-term project, so you have to give it a fair shot.
Prospecting time
If you are telling yourself, you don’t have time to update your Facebook or Twitter on a regular basis, eliminate that excuse right now. Your time on Facebook or any social networking site is prospecting time. Yes, it’s legitimate time well spent cultivating your relationship with future, past and present clients.
Simple rules
There are few rules to using social media. First, don’t spam people with boring advertorials about yourself. The days of “I’m No. 1” are out and now it’s about how you can help others.
1) You want to share useful information with everyone. Use this natural tendency to share information about your community, other people’s successes and interesting bits and pieces of information you pick up along the way.
2) Be yourself. For some, this means you’re funny. For others, it’s about sharing the latest statistics and trends. Still others have hobbies, pets or pet peeves to share. It’s all about being U!
Here are some ideas about how social media will help you build your business:
1) Build Brand Awareness – Use your logo with your personal photo.
2) Build Sphere of Influence (People are hanging out on the Web): You have access to your sphere of influence’s sphere. This is powerful!
3) Personal and Interactive: You are a real person, so interact as YOU! People want to do business with people not a company!
4) Customers expect “instant” information and want to deal with legitimate, trustworthy PEOPLE.
5) Permission-based marketing vs. Interruption-based marketing. You invite people to be part of your social group. If they accept, great. If not, that’s OK, too.
6) Educate consumers. Your potential customers have probably already done their due-diligence. Be a Resource. Bring value to your clients.
Your assignment for is to join Facebook since it seems to be where people are hanging out these days. ( If you break up your efforts, it's not as scary!) It’s simple. Just go to and follow the directions. Be sure that you create a complete profile, so others can understand who you are. . It’s simple. Just go to and follow the directions. Be sure that you create a complete profile, so others can understand who you are.
Try it
One of the keys to marketing success is visibility. Your online presence could include your personal website, corporate website, Facebook, LinkedIn, and myriad other online tools. Everything you do can help boost your visibility and helps make every other bit of your marketing efforts more powerful! You don’t have to belong to every social networking site out there, but do join one or two and try it. Find out what works for you. Embrace it. Social Networking should not be seen as a quick fix for your marketing woes, but Social Media should definitely be part of your media mix.
Create an online presence (interesting info for anyone interested in using social media for marketing)
According to the National Association of Realtors, more than 75 percent of people buying a home today start their search using the Internet. This means you need to have a presence. Don’t be in a big hurry to see quick results. Social Networking Marketing is about relationship building and trust. It takes time – expect 6 to 12 months to get any results. It’s a long-term project, so you have to give it a fair shot.
Prospecting time
If you are telling yourself, you don’t have time to update your Facebook or Twitter on a regular basis, eliminate that excuse right now. Your time on Facebook or any social networking site is prospecting time. Yes, it’s legitimate time well spent cultivating your relationship with future, past and present clients.
Simple rules
There are few rules to using social media. First, don’t spam people with boring advertorials about yourself. The days of “I’m No. 1” are out and now it’s about how you can help others.
1) You want to share useful information with everyone. Use this natural tendency to share information about your community, other people’s successes and interesting bits and pieces of information you pick up along the way.
2) Be yourself. For some, this means you’re funny. For others, it’s about sharing the latest statistics and trends. Still others have hobbies, pets or pet peeves to share. It’s all about being U!
Here are some ideas about how social media will help you build your business:
1) Build Brand Awareness – Use your logo with your personal photo.
2) Build Sphere of Influence (People are hanging out on the Web): You have access to your sphere of influence’s sphere. This is powerful!
3) Personal and Interactive: You are a real person, so interact as YOU! People want to do business with people not a company!
4) Customers expect “instant” information and want to deal with legitimate, trustworthy PEOPLE.
5) Permission-based marketing vs. Interruption-based marketing. You invite people to be part of your social group. If they accept, great. If not, that’s OK, too.
6) Educate consumers. Your potential customers have probably already done their due-diligence. Be a Resource. Bring value to your clients.
Your assignment for is to join Facebook since it seems to be where people are hanging out these days. ( If you break up your efforts, it's not as scary!) It’s simple. Just go to and follow the directions. Be sure that you create a complete profile, so others can understand who you are. . It’s simple. Just go to and follow the directions. Be sure that you create a complete profile, so others can understand who you are.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Thoughts about some FREE Tools
Camtasia: screen recording software: "the easy way to demonstrate a process, a product, or an idea...Record onscreen activity. Edit it into a polished video. Share with the world." (Commercial; open source, Windows)
30 days free trial
I tried Camtasia and found it's an easy-to-use screen recording software with some really good editing features such as screen in screen and nice transitions.
Jing: "the always-ready program that instantly captures and shares images and video…from your computer to anywhere"; the Pro version allows for a wider range of sharing (Free, with Pro services available; Windows/Mac)
Jing is easy. You download it and learn how to use it in about 5 minutes. It's handy for capturing screen shots and for adding your own text comments to them. You can pull it into a recording program and make nice graphics.
30 days free trial
I tried Camtasia and found it's an easy-to-use screen recording software with some really good editing features such as screen in screen and nice transitions.
Jing: "the always-ready program that instantly captures and shares images and video…from your computer to anywhere"; the Pro version allows for a wider range of sharing (Free, with Pro services available; Windows/Mac)
Jing is easy. You download it and learn how to use it in about 5 minutes. It's handy for capturing screen shots and for adding your own text comments to them. You can pull it into a recording program and make nice graphics.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
In Search of Meaning Letters Found at U of M
I enjoy using the Media Mill at U of M for uploading vlogs and other slide shows and pod casts. I posted the video presentation of In Search of Meaning Letters Found at the U of M and was impressed how simple it is to import a video link into the blog.
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