Why might incorporating graphic design into the classroom be valuable?
Graphic design and the use of infographics can communicate information in a direct and powerful way. I was introduced to graphic design and infographics at the ISTE conference last summer (2018). I gathered some great resources from the sessions I attended and have tried to find ways to incorporate infographics in my lessons but haven’t used them with my student’s designing their own. I’m most comfortable with Canva, Google Drawing, and Adobe Spark.
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Thinking about how students absorb information, how might teachers better support the learners in their classrooms?
My high school students are very tech savvy and seem to respond well to infographics. They can absorb small bits of information quickly, but seem to be overwhelmed many times with longer news articles. Using graphic design to teach, communicate and present information is stimulating for students. I am a strong supporter of giving students the choice to complete larger assignments or projects in their own way. They have the option to communicate information using what some educators might call a choice menu. In this way, students are allowed time and space to master their learning. graphic design and infographics could be one way for students to demonstrate their learning and expand their digital skills at the same time.
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I’m getting ready to start a climate science unit - a very hot topic these days in the science and political realms. I have my high school students research both sides of the global warming debate. They set up their own Padlets to organize their research, data, facts and figures, graphics, videos, and resources. They eventually “choose a side” and support their viewpoints with evidence that is backed by valid and reliable resources. This question is giving me that fluttery, tingly feeling when I want to try something new. An infographic from each student or group of students could be a powerful demonstration of scientific research not only for my students in class BUT for the entire school if we made them into actual hang-on-the-wall posters. I might be silently squealing with delight!
Thanks for the post, Becky! I didn't think about how it could be used in projects as an alternative. Other forms of presenting information can be overwhelming for some students, so I really like that idea.
ReplyDeleteBecky, I love your idea! Infographics displaying information on the global warming debate sounds fabulous. Not only, will your students demonstrate what they learned, but they will have to summarize their learning in order to fit it on an infographic. Furthermore, students can use design principles to display their information! This would allow other students to learn about global warming, too. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteHi Rebecca,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment about how kids (and adults) can be overwhelmed by reading longer news articles. I think the infographic is a perfect way to introduce a topic to create the interest to read more. It is also a great visual aide to help kids stay on track with any work or project plan. I love the idea about the climate research infographic.