Our days are full of information we receive on a constant basis. This information comes to us quickly through different mediums. We live in the microwave generation where everything happens extremely fast. Because of this, educators must be able to gain and maintain students’ attention, while delivering chunks of needed information in an organized manner, allowing the brain to process it. This new wave of fast-past organization has made infographics quite popular as a way of presenting information digitally.
According to Turner and Hicks (2017), “Infographics are generally considered to be one-sided arguments that discount or ignore other perspectives. They present claims, yet those claims may be implied rather than explicit (pg. 65). An infographic is a great way for students to organize their understanding of a concept/subject and present it as a digital presentation. Of course, accurate information for the graphic isn’t the only thing students need to present their arguments digitally. Hick (2013) states, “Helping students understand how to best use text, images, video, music, and other media to effectively deliver their message is a key component of the speaking and listening skills in Common Core Standards “(pg. 61).
Providing students with mentor text allows them to see the crafting skills put to practical use. Blogger, Allison Marchetti, uses Learnist as mentor text for her students. Like Pinterest, Learnist organizes teaching tools for teachers. Additionally, Rebekah O’Dell, author and blogger, feels it is important to give students enough mentor text to cover content and form. Infographics are part of our everyday life, so it is imperative for teachers to educate students on how to effectively use and construct them. Image what students could produce if they were exposed to effective teaching and exploration as well as quality mentor text. Infographics are here to stay, so let’s jump on board the infographic train! Please share information and sites you have regarding infographics.
Reference
Hicks, T. (2013) Crafting digital writing: Composing text across media and genres. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
Marchetti, A. (2016). Mentor text Wednesdays: Infographics! Retrieved from https://movingwriters.org/2014/02/26/mentor-text-wednesdays-infographics/.
O’Dell, R. (2016). On teaching a genre you know nothing about (or: an infographic study!). Retrieved from https://movingwriters.org/2016/03/21/on-teaching-a-genre-you-know-nothing-about-or-an-infographic-study/.
Turner, K.H., & Hicks, T. (2017). Teaching adolescents to read and write digital texts: Argument in the real world. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann.
Lisa, I like the way you expressed how the world is so fast paced and we must be able to access information in an instant. Students and teachers are very busy and consistently on the go so they need to be able to get information quickly. Using infographics are a great way to give lots of information in a compact manner. I love how you referenced Pinterest as an infographic source. I have never thought of it in that way. Also, mentor text are one of my favorite ways to teach language. Allowing students to model their work after authors is a great way of scaffolding.
ReplyDeleteHey Lisa, we are learning that content is only part of the equation when it comes to digital writing. You referenced Hicks (2013) and how he wrote about the importance of including digital media and utilizing that media to effectively tell our message. I have enjoyed learning how to effectively write digitally and creating eye-catching infographics.
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