Creating Infographics

Infographics are visual representations of information which is used to help decode data or explain material. Using infographics can help increase student's understanding of a subject matter and help them understand large amounts of information quickly. By helping students create their own infographics about a subject matter,  it encourages students to internalize what they have learned. 

I looked at three different graphic programs to determine which I liked the best and which would be the easiest to teach to students. 

                                                                                   

Infogram


The first program I looked at was Infogram. I liked that it was connected to Google and that it could upload data from project already in progress. Once my account was established (very easy to do), it walked me through a set of questions to determine which type of infographic I would need. It provided a graphic for me, instead of letting chose what I wanted. It does allow for the project to be modified, but some of the selections like graphics and shapes are very limited. To have better options, you would need to upgrade to the pro plan.

Easel.ly

 

The next program I looked at was Easel.ly. It also connected to Google (and Facebook) and that made logging in simple. I liked it better than Infogram due to the wider selection of free templates. It also had a better selection of graphics and charts. This program took a little work to find the images needed and did not feel as user friendly. Easel.ly had a few “objects” (clip art style pictures) that were available, but most were not available with the free plan.  I felt this program was still slightly limiting and may frustrate some users.  

Piktochart

The last program I looked at was Piktochart. I liked that I could login from my Google account. This site has infographics, posters, charts and slides. They offer their own simple tutorial to help you get started.  Piktochart has a build from scratch infographic or several nice ones to help you get started. Piktochart offers a wide selection of graphics, colors and other nice features available for free without having to upgrade to a better plan. The ease of use sold me on this program. The more I explored, the easier it was to use.

This is the infographic I made using Piktochart. It was relatively easy and I had fun trying a variety of different elements. You can make a selection of graphs and charts. I was able to add shapes, change colors and adjust sizing and fonts. I was also able to add pictures from stock photos. The site allows you to upload your own photos also. I feel with instruction, students would find this a fun way to share what they have learned.