This document outlines a two-session web-based lesson plan that uses the website Toondoo to teach English as a foreign language through creating and publishing comic strips. The lesson plan aims to develop writing skills in a fun way while introducing students to the writing process. Students will brainstorm comic strip ideas, plan and draft their strips offline, then use Toondoo to create, edit, and publish their digital comics. They will provide peer feedback and teachers will assess the final comics.

1. TEACHING EFL THROUGH COMICS A WEB - BASED LESSON PL AN Author: María Aurora Ovalles Professor: Evelyn Izquierdo July, 2011

2. The following web based plan has been created with the purpose of incorporating internet tools in the EFL classroom and developing writing skills in a creative and fun way.

3. Date: December, 2011. Teacher: María Aurora Ovalles. Class level: Teenagers / Pre - intermediate Lesson lenght: two sessions of 90 min. Topic: Christmas Aim: To conceive,create and publish for a real audience comic strips in English around the topic of Christmas Objectives: to develop writing skills in a fun and creative way.

4. Objectives: To introduce learners to process writing stages: pre writing, drafting,editing and publishing To promote peer editing To promote learning autonomy Web sites used: Toon doo URL: http: // ww.toondoo.com Rationale for selecting this site: Toon doo is a comic strip creator, easy to use and versatile. It allows writing, editing and publishing and it is free.

5. Other materials: Paper, pens ,pencils, crayons Teacher preparation: Check internet connection Open website Steps for learners: Description of pre - computer classroom activities: Ask students to bring comics strips in English to cla Brainstorm about comics and their characteristics Explain learners class objectives Learners are given a copy of a blank comic strip template Learners will plan the content of their comic strips individually and place ideas on the template given(pre writing and drafting)

6. Description of computer online activities: Learners will be instructed on the use of Toon doo as follows: Enter the link http: // toondoo.com Create a free account. Choose your username, password, and write down your email address. Click on ¨toondoo maker. Create your own comic¨ Select the 3 panels layout Choose a character Drag it to the comic strip Add speech bubbles Write down your previously planned content

7. Save your comic clicking on ¨save¨ Add a title, a short description and some tags. Click on ¨publish¨ and click on the options ¨keep it private¨ Go to ¨my toondoos¨ and edit if necessary. Email this comic to your teacher email address and classmates for feedback.

8. Description of follow up activities :Learners peer edit comic strips content, gramar and mechanics. Teacher will check comic strips and give feedback. Comics strips will be published and placed on the class wiki

9. Optional activities: Print comic strips and place them on the wall. Organize a comics school event and invite parents. Organize a comic strips contest and publish winner´s work on the School newsletter

10. Thank you very much for your attention

11. References: http: // www.toondoo.com