Tag Archives: How To

Infographics – New and Improved

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Last week we looked at Infographics we like and don’t like.

Today, we are going to pick one of two that we didn’t like and make them better!

Here are the two infographics and some background to them to help guide you. You are welcome to do more research, but try to keep the purpose of the infographic the same on your improved version.

First of all, before you start to re-design, think about the message of the infographic. What ‘story’ do you want to tell, or what information are you trying to simplify or clarify?

Next, look back at the comments that your fellow students made about infographics they did like. What is it that makes an infographic interesting, compelling to read, and a good delivery of information? Think about your design, and not just the information you are sharing!

Here are the infographics, and some links to learn more. Click on the inographics to see the original versions.

To learn more: ~You have to pay for the actual study, so no link for that:(

The Candle Problem

Images: Try searching Google for silhouette clip art or add the word people or clock or candle (these are just examples, but does this infographic even need a clock?).

 

Original Source: http://www.uwec.edu/geography/ivogeler/w111/articles/Food-Pyramid-Federal-Subsidies.png

Federal Food Subsidies (In the US, which is what the infographic is about) – Notice the most subsidized item is corn/feed. This is used to feed the animals that we eat, so even though it is a vegetable that is subsidized, this is done to keep the cost of meat lower.

Images that are basic shapes like these can easily be duplicated on Powerpoint… but does this information need to be represented this way or are there more interesting ways to show this? What is confusing about this infographic? How can you change that? Also, notice the disconnect between what the two images are telling you and what the title of the infographic is. This infographic wants to tell you a good story… it just isn’t doing it well!

Work in teams of two or three and make one of these better! Share a copy of this version and your own improved version on at least one (or all) of your blogs. Be sure to include the names of everyone that worked on your new and improved infographic and share a link in the comments below. (Or share the link to this post on your post and the link-back will happen automatically.)

And of course, if you would rather choose a different infographic to improve, go right ahead… just don’t waste time looking for one when you’ve got two perfectly awful examples to improve above! 🙂

What makes a good discussion?

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These are the notes from our discussion on what makes a good forum discussion contribution. You can also consider these when thinking about blog post comments, and even class or group discussions.

Summary:

  • Agree with someone- and add more, support their ideas
  • Disagree with someone – don’t attack the person, give points/reasons why you disagree.
  • Add new ideas. (explain your evidence, suggest new topics, make a good thesis statement)
  • Share your opinion
  • Ask a question. (Extend the ideas or ask someone to explain theirs)
  • Give examples, quotes, cite sources.

Anything else?

Adding a ClustrMap to your blog Sidebar

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ClustrMaps are little maps that show you where in the world visitors to your blog have come from.

When you click on your map, it goes to a page that shows you your map in more detail.

This page also gives you details about countries, states and provinces visitors came from:

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Here are the instructions to get a map onto your blog.

First, go to your Dashboard…

Then follow these instructions.

Then:

Then you will get an email, (but you don’t really need to do anything with it.)

Your map will show up on your blog, and all your pages too!

Go to your blog to take a look at your map:

You are done. Start collecting dots! 🙂

Creating pages and menus in Edublogs

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The first video shows you the really easy way to create a page.

1. Go to your Edublogs dashboard.

2. Move your mouse over the ‘Pages’ link in the left side navigation bar, then click ‘Add New’. (You can also click on ‘Pages’ and ‘Add New’ will appear below ‘All Pages’.)

3. Choose a name for your page (keep it short).

4. Hit publish. Congratulations you have a new page!

Creating a Page


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(Link to the video in a new window)

Most themes will put the new page right into your MENU BAR at the top of your page like this:

If the page does not show up in the menu bar with your theme,

OR if you want these to be ordered in a way other than alphabetical,

OR if you want to have some pages show up as a drop-down menu option,

Or if you don’t want some pages to show up on your menu, then watch the next video.

Creating a Menu


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(Link to the video in a new window)

Questions? Please comment below.