In today's world of mass media and technology, students are exposed to more information in a week than an adolescent would see in a lifetime in Shakespeare's time.
The ability to absorb, interpret, filter, store, categorize, evaluate and share this information seems to be an overwhelming task but the digital natives of this generation seem to be well adjusted to the glut of information broadcasted to their world.
One mean of collating information that has become quite prevalent in today's world digital communication is the "infographic".
The definition from Wikipedia states, Information graphics or infographics are graphic visual representations of information, data or knowledge intended to present complex information quickly and clearly.
This summer in my sophomore Health course we have used info graphics in a variety of ways.
First the students viewed the documentary "Escape Fire" to gain perspective on the Health and Wellness Care System in United States. Utilizing infographics provided on the movie website (http://escapefiremovie.com/first-aid-kit) students evaluated and correlated information from the documentary.
Next students used infographics to gather and analyze information concerning prescription and OTC drugs. I provided them with variety of infographics about various topics concerning the pharmaceutical industry and health care. Students worked in groups to break down and evaluate the information on the infographics and then present the most valuable information to the class.
Students also evaluated the effectiveness of the infographic as a means of conveying information. Students analyzed and presented the organization, presentation, color schemes, chart and data choice for each infographic.
Students posted and shared their infographics online.
For me this project provided the perfect means to incorporate the Six C's of Education. Students add to Think Critically to analyze and evaluate data, gather information and format the infographic. Students worked in Collaborative Teams in student to student and online collaboration. Students Communicated in a variety of means throughout the project whether working in groups or presenting online or in the classroom. The design and production of the infographic provided an avenue to develop their Creativity. Analyzing data and looking at the effects on society of our health and wellness infrastructure forced students to evaluate the Culture they are living in. Lastly, students Utilized smartphones, iPads, and computers to Connect the dots and produce their infographics.
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