Teaching with Tech

Thursday, March 28, 2019

Grab Their Attention with Graphics





Not too long ago I was asking myself, “What in the world is an infographic?”  Graphic design has taken over the world we live in.  Our students no longer absorb information and learn the same way we do. In fact, I no longer learn the same way I used to. Inundated with graphics, we take in and process information differently.  Education needs to adapt to the learning style of the students within our classrooms.  






By creating lessons that will pique interest and encourage the engagement of students, we all win.  Incorporating graphics into an old lesson, students are more in tune to content.  Designing learning experiences that put the power of creation in the hands of our students is where the real learning happens.  With endless options, students take the reigns to show off all they have learned, thus solidifying their understanding and helping others learn as well.

One example applicable to any content area is vocabulary development.  Capitalizing on the power of graphics, students can further develop their understanding of content area vocabulary.  Using Keynote and the amazing shapes, image, and audio tools available, students can design a slide for each vocabulary word and use graphics, images, and audio to display their understanding of content-specific terminology.


Example of one in a set of student-created infographics
describing the attributes of quadrilaterals.

Student created graphics can be used as a study tool and shared via Seesaw for parents and peers to view and provide feedback.  Students love using their creativity to find real-world examples.  They take advantage of the shapes tools and the photo mark-up editing tool to create a personalized vocabulary graphic.