Technology, in all forms, has altered most aspects of our lives. This we accept without any arguments. Education has had its fair share of change. Technology in education is highly debatable by many scholars, educators, students and parents. While tools such as tablets and other portable devices are, nowadays, at the centre of most educational institutions, everybody seems to forget about comics as a new medium for education.
A debate held at the Debate Area at the University of Malta between Luke Brincat from Graphic Novels Library Malta and Audrienne Degiorgio who researched the medium extensively for her dissertation looked at comics for the purpose of education. Audrienne and Luke both discussed comics as a good instrument for educating and engaging minds, even the most reluctant of them. Luke and Audrienne explained how most of the time, comics are underestimated and misinterpreted. What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word comic? Most probably it is Marvel’s Spiderman or Batman. Comics go beyond the popularized Marvel comics. Marvel is overshadowing other good comic artists that strive to gain popularity with their educational comics. They are left under the carpet when, in the meantime they can be implemented in the educational sector.
Comics are not just there for reluctant readers who are disheartened by chunks of endless words. A comic is the most effective medium on how the text and an image interact together in unison. This can lead to greater motivation in students of all ages who are otherwise reluctant to read endless pages of notes or thick stories which they are made to read "because it’s good for their education.’ This might make it slightly easier for educators as well. “A teacher, like a salesman is trying to sell an idea.” Comics are a great way to engage readers without using too much text however the story element is still important.
Comics can be used as an tool for an array of subjects. Research has proved that the public finds comics most effective in areas such as Literature mostly Shakespeare’s plays and Jane Austen’s novels, Art, Politics and Science. Business Studies is least associated with the world of comics. Comics are also often associated with children and their literature. However comics can be a form of entertainment and education to all ages that need some extra motivation.
Although comics is still an area that needs further research and further involvement in the educational system, Malta has slightly some more research to carry out. The first step would be to dissociate the medium of the comic with characters such as Batman and Spiderman. A lot of measures can be taken to implement comics as useful visuals for students.
Like any other medium, comics have their disadvantages. If a comic is not well-made it does not deliver the intended message. The use of comics does not aim to eliminate the textbook. A comic cannot explore the detail that the textbook provides. Hence, it is the use of both the textbook and the visual element that can help deliver a better message.
