Infographics: a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

What is an infographic?  Surprisingly, most people who know exactly what one is aren't even aware that it is called an infographic.  An infographic is a visual image that usually includes a chart or diagram in order to represent information or data.  By utilizing graphics to enhance the presentation of the data, an infographic taps into our visual system’s ability to see patterns and trends. But don't take my words for it, check out this infographic ABOUT infographics!

It's easy to see why infographics are so popular, and that's exactly why their use has become so widespread. Over recent years they have become increasingly common in mass communication and are seen everywhere from newspapers to the internet.  Mrs. Nolan, the Communication Applications teacher at Medlin Middle School, knows this and wants her students to realize it too.  That's why her students spent time this six weeks learning about and creating their own infographics.  Students were asked to poll their fellow classmates about a topic important to them, such as "What breed of dog do you prefer" or "What social media platform do you use the most?"  Students created a survey via pencil and paper and verbally polled the students in their class. The survey had to include specific data that can be seen in the instructions in the photo below.

  

Once they collected their survey data they had to take that data and use it with the website Piktochart to create an infographic.  Students not only had to choose what type of chart or diagram would be most helpful, but they also had to complete their own graphic design as well.  They were taught that infographics should be visually engaging, contain information that is easy to process, and should be supported by the content it is paired with.  This project allowed them to explore their artistic side as well as learn new way to analyze and look at data and communicate it to others. Check out some of their works in progress below:

At the end of the project, the hard work of the students was evident.  By learning to create these infographics the students have learned a new skill that will be helpful for both future classes and careers!  Check out some of the awesome finished products below (pictures and links), and remember, a picture is worth a thousand words... but an infographic is worth so much more!

Chocolate vs Vanilla | Piktochart Infographic Editor

Preferred Music Type | Piktochart Infographic Editor
Samsung vs iPhone | Piktochart Infographic Editor
Which sport would you choose to play? | Piktochart Infographic Editor