Infographic Tools

Over the last couple years I have been really excited about the potential of Infographics in school.  Botha visual image such as a chart or diagram used to represent information or data".  

the creation and use of them.  You may not recognize the term, but you are sure to have seen Infographics, they are everywhere.  They are defined as, "
Two years ago we expanded a 10th grade English research project to include the creation of a Website, with an Infographic.  It didn't go smoothly, mostly because we were forcing tools to do more than they were intended for.  Unfortunately, after that I haven't gotten to do another Infographic project, but I am determined to get back to that.
I have gathered some resources, one of which is a LiveBinder full of ideas and tools, and explored a few of these.
I recently worked within easel.ly to create an Infographic.  It was a super easy tool to use, with templates to use for beginners and plenty of options.  The templates themselves will help students understand what Infographics are and give them some direction.  You also had the freedom to expand on what they had by uploading images, etc.  My only warning would be to make sure you create an account (free) before creating a visual, because if you try to create your account at the end you will lose what you did.  This is the Infographic that I created for our Classroom 21 teachers to explain the process of questioning to their students.
One of the things that I really appreciate about easel.ly is that you have plenty of options of how to save your visuals.  Sometimes I get frustrated with tools because they make it difficult to extract your creation from their site.  That was not the case here, you can download to your computer, embed, or create links.
Another tool that I have used, which also gives these options for using your images is piktochart.  This is another very usable Infographic tool, although I didn't find it to have as many options for beginners (templates, icons, etc.).  It also gives you a canvas larger than 8 1/2 x 11, which can make using the final product more difficult.
Having explored these tools I am confident that we can do some successful projects with students.  In fact, I already have two teachers on board to test it out this fall.  We are preparing a project for the 7th grade math classes, and another round with the 10th grade English class.  I look forward to sharing the results!

Worthy Words

A newly married friend recently asked me what advice I would give to have a happy marriage.  Because I am terrible at giving a quality response on the spot I gave a totally inadequate answer, and have been mulling it over ever since.

I told him something like this: "Expect rough times in marriage, that no one feels 100% in love all the time, but not to give up because of those feelings."  

What a dreary picture I painted of marriage!  I desperately need to amend that picture.  It does not represent how I feel about marriage at all.  I love my husband and treasure my marriage.

So, here is the advice I would give to those who are preparing for marriage or those newly married:

Don't let rough times shock you into doubting your love for one another.  You may not always feel that spark of 1st love, but that doesn't mean it has gone out.  Take the time and energy to rekindle that flame.  

Keep your focus on the good times you have had together, and remain confident that they will return.  Many will be even better because you have struggled together.  Your love will deepen and your bond grow stronger as you experience life together as one. 

Don't lose hope in the love God has given you for your spouse.  Don't focus on the differences you have or those things that annoy you about each other.  Look for the best in one another and you will find it.  Always fight for your marriage and for one another- it is so worth it!  

These are some of the things I have experienced and learned in the first 14 years of marriage, and I look forward to learning much more as Nathan and I continue to love each other and grow together for many years to come.