If you are an educator, you have probably used infographics in class to present the study material better. Even if you hear the word “infographic” for the first time, you may have been using this powerful tool without even knowing it. Infographics are visual elements that present information. They are used to show statistics, graphics, and charts to simplify data.
At the same time, you can use them to explain efficient strategies for essay writing, time management, and other essential topics. Most of us process visual information better and therefore infographics really make sense.
Infographics can help your students remember the material, especially when you use them for online teaching and class blogging. We have created a small guide to help you get started with using infographics to teach better.
Creating infographics: some practical recommendations
To prevent you from being confused about creating infographics, we have listed the following tips:
- Visual elements as metaphors
Charts and graphs are the relic of the past, so be creative. Use pictures instead of symbols and make sure to provide interesting and memorable examples. However, try not to make them too creative and keep the images to the point, otherwise, you risk that only a few students will understand them. It is important for your visual metaphors to be obvious.
- Make it simple
The point of infographics is simplicity, so don’t overcrowd your presentations. For instance, if you use a list or a chart, make sure to include 2-6 elements. Adding more than 6 elements can make it confusing rather than handy. Too many points listed in one place can seem overwhelming and your students may fail to remember them.
- Use colors to emphasize what is important
Colors draw the eyes to the important points. Therefore, you can use the contrasting or bright colors to let your students remember the most crucial phrases from your presentation. Use colors that are located on the opposite sides of the specter to differentiate the chunks of information.
- Keep it flowing
Take care of making your infographic logical. How the next point comes from the previous one? Break the material into pieces and use different colors and boxes to identify every new point you make.
- Choose the visual elements that represent data correctly
You have to be sure that the chosen chart represents the data clearly enough. For instance, if you are using a pie chart, make sure that you focus on the pie as a whole, not only its pieces.
Keep in mind: you are not limited to charts and graphs. Infographics are about giving the visual form to the symbolic information. Even if you are not explaining any statistics, infographics are still enjoyable learning tools.
Useful tools
Luckily, you don’t have to draw your visuals on your own or try to tailor an infographic from the ground up. There are simple and efficient infographic tools that will help you get the things done fast. For example:
- Easy.ly
This tool is one of the most popular infographic software. The developers claim that the amount of users that have downloaded Easy.ly is more than 900,000. The starting pack of this program comes for free and you get hundreds of additional templates, backgrounds, and images for $3 per month.
- Piktochart
This program has a lot of visuals that are perfect for educational aims. You can have a free start and then order a specialized educational account for $39.99 per year.
- Infogr.am
In Infogr.am you will find a great number of ready-made templates to add your information and share it with ease. It provides downloadable presentations to let your students get it with one click and process in class or at home. The trial version is free and the upgraded one costs $19 per month.
- Canva.com
This one is a free application with graphics of all imaginable formats, including infographics.
- Visme.co
This program is perfect for infographics, presentations and other similar documents. You can use the template and customize it anyway you want. The presentations created here can be published on the web or shared for personal use via email. As always, you can enjoy a free version with a limited set of tools and elements or get a premium account for $16 per month.
