What is an Infographic?
Turner & Hicks (2017) state, "Infographics combine words, numbers, and visual elements." The most critical component of an infographic is accurate data (Turner & Hicks, 2017, pp. 60-80). Infographics should be aesthetically appealing and, technically, easy to distribute(book). Turner & Hicks (2017) state, "Visual representations of information, data, or knowledge designed to present complex information quickly and clearly are all examples of an infographic." Infographics include images, charts, graphs, and minimal text to convey a message or tell a story in a visually engaging way. Did you ask when to use an infographic? You can use infographics in presentations, social media, and websites. Check this video out about infographics!
(Easelly: Design Tips & Tutorials, 2020)
The Effectiveness of Using Infographics
According to (Khasawneh & Khasawneh, 2023), The significance of infographics is underscored in enhancing
the efficacy of education and enhancing its
results by establishing a more substantial alignment between students' needs and the instructional curriculum, as well as by integrating
data and information with visual representations and symbols. Infographic technology is distinguished by its
integration of the advantages of visual learning with traditional and integrated learning methodologies. Khasawneh & Khasawneh (2023) states that "Infographics offer numerous advantages, encompassing the
following:
1. Increasing the effectiveness of learning
2. Diversity of means of knowledge
3. Achieving active learning
4. Educational flexibility
5. Mastering practical skills
6. Enhanced learning experience".
The value of infographics and their advantages are rooted in their significant influence on the three primary components of the educational process: the instructor, the learner, and the subject matter. Infographics can stimulate students, enhance motivation, Reinforce information, and facilitate retention (Khasawneh & Khasawneh, 2023). Khasawneh & Khasawneh (2023) state that “The infographic provides a valuable opportunity for diversifying activities, which aids in bridging the gap between individual differences and facilitates the transformation of complex material into visual representations such as drawings, symbols, pictures, and memory cues, hence facilitating students’ comprehension and retention of knowledge.” Infographics have been found to encourage active student engagement in the acquisition of experience, knowledge, critical thinking skills, and observational accuracy (Khasawneh & Khasawneh, 2023). The utilization of infographics by the teacher facilitates the process of simplifying the lesson, hence enhancing its accessibility and relevance to the student’s cognitive processes and personal interests (Khasawneh & Khasawneh, 2023).
How to use an Infographic in the Classroom
Reading and writing infographics are two ways to use them in the classroom. Infographics are all about rich content research for students, and to take a position on an issue, they are well suited for interdisciplinary inquiry. Infographics can be used as a communication tool to share with parents digitally. Adobe Express and Canva are sites to use to create infographics! The infographic below will provide other ways to use infographics in a classroom.
Turner, K. H., & Hicks, T. (2017). Teaching Adolescents to Read and Write Digital Texts Argument in the Real World (pp. 60-81). Heinemann.
