Week 4 - Infographics

Faster than the Couch | Create infographics

I used a website called infogr.am to create my infographic.  The site was pretty easy to use.  I picked a template and plugged in my words and information.  There were tools to add images or different types of charts or graphs.  

I faced two major challenges while I was trying to complete this assignment.  The first is that my brain just doesn't think this way.  After reading through all of the examples and watching the videos, my brain hurt from trying to process the information.  I prefer lists and words and simple graphs....tell me what you want to tell me.

The other major challenge that I faced was deciding what to make the infographic about.  I was a bit overwhelmed by the format and finding information that fits the format.  Finally, I decided on times for my half marathons.  While the data is not going to show me breaking any land speed records, it's data that is quantitative and lent itself to an infographic.

One lesson learned was to make sure that there is enough data to create the infographic.  Also, be mindful of proper graphing techniques.  It's very easy forget to label the axes or title the chart.

I can see many ways that this tool can be used in a school setting.  It can be used across the curriculum.  For early elementary, the infographic can be an early data collection tool.  Older students can make an infographic for just about any topic in the curriculum.  The only hesitation I would have to requiring this type of display is the stress it would cause learners who think like I do.  I thinking that adding the infographic as a choice for information presentation is a compromise for all types of learners.