GC: Infographics
Ready to engage students in cognitive task analysis? Focus on knowledge representation through the use of infographics and charts. This hands-on session will have you learning how to make and model infographics using free tools.
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What are Infographics?
Infographics (a clipped compound of "information" and "graphics") are graphic visual representations of information, data or knowledge intended to present information quickly and clearly.
They can improve cognition by utilizing graphics to enhance the human visual system’s ability to see patterns and trends (Source: Wikipedia)
Why Infographics?
ELPS#3: Non-linguistic representation is available through graphic organizers, thinking maps, pictures, and visuals.
In Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Checkpoint 2.5 suggests we encourage students to learn to "Illustrate through multiple media."
Text, a weak format for presenting concepts, often dominates classroom materials. For learners who have text- or language-related disabilities, it may be ineffective.
One way to overcome that is to provide alternative activities that involve processing information via:
a) illustrations,
b) simulations,
d) images
e) interactive graphics
f) infographics
Greater than fifty percent of learners are non-linguistic. This involves students generating a representation of new information that does NOT rely on language.
Robert Marzano says “the average effect [of using non-linguistic representation] includes a seventeen percentile point gain in student achievement.” Wow.
For language learners, consider that “when students make concept maps, idea webs, dramatizations, and other types of nonlinguistic representation, they are actively creating a model of their thinking.”
Tools and Apps
Infographic Tools
Remove Background from Images
Amazing Image Tools
Tip 1 - Getting Started with Infographics
This online, self-paced course presents an introduction to the design tool called Canva. Canva is not to be confused with the Canvas learning management system (LMS). Canva provides you with a powerful toolkit to easily and quickly create spectacular resources even if you are not a designer or an artist. If you are an artist or designer, you have a huge repository of tools all in one place to bring new creations to life at no charge. Yes, Canva is free to all K-12 educators.
Helpful Chrome Add-Ons and/or Extensions
Insert Icons into Slides: Creating an infographic in Google Slides? Use this Google Slides add-on to find icons/images for insertion into your infographic.
Icons by Noun: Access over one million icons. Special Thanks to Kathy Miller (Twitter: @millerk813) for this suggestion, too!
ColorZilla: Get a color reading from any point in your browser, quickly adjust this color and paste it into another program.
Fireshot Screenshot Tool: Need a Chrome extension that takes pictures of a web page? Use Fireshot!
Tip #2 - Start with Templates
You can find templates for a wide variety of infographics online. Then, you can adapt them for your own use in Google Slides, Google Drawings, Microsoft Powerpoint, or whatever tool you like.
You have to get accustomed to finding inspiration everywhere! Use this Google Drawings/Slides template library to get started.
Check out Diana Benner's Infographics Collection
Fill out this online form to get the download link for Diana's awesome Google Drawing templates. It includes a wide variety of curated resources from Google educators, including Diana Benner herself.
You can reach her online via Twitter at the address linked below or read her personal blog. Of course, she is an active TCEA TechNotes blogger.
Tip #3: Explore and Design
Follow these steps to infographic design:
Tell a story or say something. Find discrete pieces of information to share that tell a story.
Draw or Map it out. Explore templates and layouts you can use.
Keep it simple. Find a simple style you can make that matches what you are trying to say.
Share. Share your creation online.
Reflect and Get Feedback. Don't be afraid to critique your creation, as well as invite others to before final publication.
Four, Free, Terrific Tools You Can Use
Try It Out
Each of these images has more information behind it. Pick ONE and read it. Then, in your small group (2-3 partners), follow the steps shown above. Make your own infographic depicting the information in the article.
