Journal #3

Krauss, J. (2012). More than words can say infographics. Learning & Leading with Technology, 39(5), 10-14. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/February-2012.aspx

Infographics according to the article More than Words Can Say Infographics, are visual representations of data that can come in the form of a picture, graph, timeline, etc. They go beyond the standard reading and writing when it comes to expressing ideas since it allows for information to be seen from multiple angles. Pictures promote questions such as "what am I see" and "what does it mean?" The concept behind using Infographics is that it stimulates the mind in ways that are not normally done from reading and writing. The article explains that if you want to make a successful infographic a person must be trying to tell a story based on good data and to be clear on what you are trying to say.  

Question One: How can Infographics work in creating a deeper sense of understanding?

Most students are not purely audio learners. It is pointed out that humans have two types of learning systems. These are linguistic, which are audio and reading skills, and non-linguistic, which are visual and kinetic skills. By using infographics which is a blend of the two skill-types it helps cultivate both of them. By doing so a student has more outlets to obtain a better understanding of the course material.

Question Two: How can Infographics be used in a classroom?

Infographics can be used in almost every aspect of a class. They give a visual representation of the course material. Graphs can be used to show public opinion during the Vietnam War or to show the mortality rate during the Bubonic Plague. In mathematics it can benefit the understanding of subjects such as statistics or ratios. Science can use it to explain data gathered from a lab or can be used to create flowcharts showing different steps for different results.. English classes can incorporate infographics in the way of pictures depicting the actions in a story or to show a visual of the vocabulary. These are only some examples, the possibility is truly limitless.