For this blog post, I was instructed to create an infographic. I have seen them several times on the internet on various websites, but I didn't know before now that this particular graphic had a name! How very cool!
I started on piktochart.com because I had seen several class mates' reviews that other sites were difficult to use. Also, since I already have a google account, signing up for piktochart was very simple! At first, I had some of the same complaints that my class mates did: the website lagged behind every time I clicked on a box, so the boxes started to move where I didn't want to go! I also found it difficult to change out the graphics. The available photos weren't very plentiful, but the clipart icons were great! I also saw that there is an option to import your own photos, but it's nice to have a program that already comes loaded with lots of graphics.
I did my infographic on DNA (I'm kind of running with a theme here, did you notice?) because we're in drill-and-kill "review mode" at my school for SOL tests, and I just talked about DNA last week. So it was still fresh on my mind! I started with a template and did not make any color changes to the preloaded setup.
I tried to keep some of G. Reynolds' ideas on color and design in my head as I set up my information. I liked the light colored background and thought it would not be distracting to someone reading the information. I also used green, blue and yellow as my main colors because of their close proximity to each other on the color wheel. I found the colors to be very harmonious together. My font was simple and easy to read from a distance, and my headings were put into bold to give extra visibility.
Students would have to do research ahead of time and come to the table with their information "ready to go". The program offers several blank "cheat sheets" to use when selecting a template, and as a teacher, I would be tempted to make paper copies of those blank templates for students to use before they start on the computer.
Source: Reynolds, G. (2014). Presentation Zen Design. 2d ed. New Riders/Pearson.
I agree with your idea for paper templates before using the computer. Otherwise, I think students would waste a lot of instructional time that could better be used elsewhere. I am glad to see that someone else is thinking like me!
ReplyDeleteI also agree with the paper template idea. Planning out what you want to create is always a good idea, and if students already have their paper template to use as a model when they get on the computer, they won't have to use so much time getting lost in the options. I do think it would be a good idea to allow students to explore the site first, however, just to give them an idea of what they have to work with.... otherwise, they won't know what choice they have when making their paper template. I hope that made sense haha!
ReplyDeleteGreat infograph! I too like your idea of giving students a template to plan out their work before starting. I wish I had read your blog before starting mine and used that tip. I too think your application for using it in a science class is a great idea. I could see the idea transferring to other content areas, like using it to create a timeline for history.
ReplyDeleteYou created a great infographic Jessica, and I can't lie, I love your daily inspiration. As I read your post I remembered that I forgot to put classroom applications in mine... ha! Back to work I go.
ReplyDeleteGreat job! I also love the paper template idea. Why didn't I think of that? I can totally see this hanging in a classroom or on a screen as you are explaining the information.
ReplyDeleteI really like your infographic. The colors work very well together and although there is a lot of information it is not cluttered. It's clear and easy to read. Nice work!
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