Graduate Student and Faculty Opinions and Perceptions of Web Comics and Their Use in the Online Classroom Setting

Abstract

Traditional comics have been utilized in educating elementary school students for years, but perceptions about the newer web comic format and its potential use at the university level has not been examined. The framework for this study employed the theory of multiple literacies which promotes the idea that tools used enhance the visual delivery of information and concepts improves learning. This exploratory qualitative case study used a Likert survey and questionnaire to explore the perceptions and opinions about the use of web comics from 200 students, 22 instructors, and four course directors in online college courses. The research questions centered on gathering information about participants’ perceptions and opinions on web comics and their use in the classroom. Results of the survey and questionnaire suggest that while instructors and course directors are open to the use of web comics in an educational setting, students are less so. Participants’ perceptions and opinions on the use of web comics as an academic tool at the collegiate level suggested that web comics are best used as a supplement to existing academic tools. Based on the findings it is recommended that web comics be use as a supplemental strategy for enhancing the instruction and learning of challenging course related concepts.