Thursday, June 25, 2015

Everyone Loves Infographics

Infographics are literally everywhere these days! You can't get on social media without seeing at least one. I can't even count how many infographics I have read, pinned to Pinterest boards and shared with friends and colleagues. Infographics come in a variety of shapes, sizes and types: timeline, data visualizations, flowchart, versus, photo infographics and many more.

"Infographic - a visual image such as a chart
or diagram used to represent information or data."


Creating an infographic on the other hand is brand new for me. Yes, I have created oodles and oodles of posters, flyers, and handouts as an educator and for personal events and activities, but never officially an infographic.

View Infographic from
Enterprise Nation
I can now proudly mark infographic creation off my to-do list. As part of an assignment for a grad class, we were tasked with creating a flyer about ourselves and discuss how we differentiate in education or plan to in the future. While I'm not officially in the classroom, I do consider it differentiation when I plan and create different ways to share how-to's and directions with campus teachers and staff. 

The actual process of creating an infographic is very similar to any other poster or flyer that you may create or have students create. Basic design and color principals are good to follow so that you have a pleasing end product. And there are many tools available for creating infographics. Infographics can be useful teaching tools and for teaching digital literacy. They include the writing process, research, and planning. You could apply Art skills in the design process and Math skills with infographic data. My first infographic experience was quite enjoyable. I'm certain I will continue my jaunt into the infographic creation world. Check back soon for a new Pieces of Eight post on infographic tools, how-to's, and practical tips for integrating into the classroom.

Until next time...
Follow your treasure map where ever it may lead!
S~