Investigating the Role of Digital and Traditional Comics Creation for Promoting Autonomous Learning and SDG Awareness in Design Education

M. Sarppa Raje^1* , S. Subash²    & Kaniphnath Malhari Kudale^{3   
1,2}Assistant Professors of English, Thiagarajar College of Engineering, Madurai, India. *Corresponding Author.
³Associate Professor of English, Guru Nanak Institutions Technical Campus, Ibrahimpatnam, Hyderabad, India.

^{Rupkatha Journal, Vol. 18, Issue 1, 2026. https://doi.org/10.21659/rupkatha.v18n1.04
Full-Text PDF Issue Access}

Abstract

This research paper examines how the creation of both traditional and digital comics can promote an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and learner autonomy among 25 students in the Bachelor of Design course ‘Communication Skills’. Instead of addressing subjective and random issues, students were asked to create comics on SDGs, which would widen their awareness and attention towards key issues around them. Utilising a mixed-methods classroom intervention, the research unfolded in two distinct phases: a scaffolding phase where students were introduced to comic methodology and correlated creative work with chosen SDGs together before engaging in an application phase, producing digital or hand-drawn comics independently. The quantitative analysis of the pre-post survey responses of the students showed significant improvements in their SDG awareness and learner autonomy by 65% and 46%, respectively. Qualitative data, collected through interviews, observations, and a comprehensive viva, reiterated the same, answering the research questions positively on enhancing SDG awareness and learner autonomy through digital and traditional comics creation tasks..

Keywords: Traditional and digital comics, Sustainable Development Goals, SDG awareness, learner autonomy, mixed-methods classroom intervention.