Using Graphic Novels, Anime, and the Internet in an Urban High School.
October 12, 2009
Fisher, Douglas and Frey, Nancy. “Using Graphic Novels, Anime, and the Internet in an Urban School.” The English Journal. 93(2004); 19-25
Fisher and Frey suggest using popular culture in order to bring enthusiasm to education. Using Graphic novels like New York: The Big City, Fisher and Frey survey students as they use these books as a learning tool. Through the results, they come to conclude that graphic novels, and other forms of popular mediums, are excellent learning tools for students. This article states that by bringing different learning tools in the classroom, teachers can help improve literacy rates among their students and rejuvenate the excitement that comes with learning in students.
Like Bitz’s article, Fisher and Frey set out to prove that graphic novels, as well as other forms of mediums, can be used in the classroom. What separates their study from Bitz’s is that it involves high school students who are able to give more feedback about the learning process. Students are routinely asked if they feel as if any real results are coming from using other mediums as pedagogical tools. More importantly, is the fact that this study is not simply used to test literacy, but also understand concepts and rhetoric found within graphic novels.
