This year has been quite the journey for many teachers when it comes to numeracy and technology. Great learning has taken place, with many stories to share. It is these stories that can continue to support others in their learning journey; as well as act as an excellent reflection piece for my own journey. So what better way to share then through another #peel21st blog hop! The following is my own reflection on combining technology with numeracy; but be sure to check out the other blog posts by other amazing #peel21st educators about their own reflections.
We are bombarded regularly with numbers and data in all walks of life. Whether it is financial information, contact details, mathematical equations, spreadsheets, graphs, addresses, etc., we can easily come across hundreds of sets of data in a single day. One of the difficulties in understanding all this information is processing it in your mind and providing some context for it. This has always been a difficulty for myself, where upon being presented with such data the words "Okay, how much is that really?"will regularly be uttered.
However, one of the tools I find to be extremely beneficial in understanding such large sets of numbers has been through infographics. In the past Excel was one of the only ways to visualize data (scary I know!), but now we have such tools like Piktochart, Ease.ly, Infogr.am that can create some really stunning presentations (just search 'Infographics' on Google, or see below)
 |
| http://www.bethkanter.org/wp-content/uploads/what-is-an-infographic.jpg |
I have found many other educators have come to appreciate these tools as well, and students especially. A conversation I had with Chef Marelli not too long ago is evidence enough. We discussed how recipes have lots of numeracy in them - weights, measurements, sizing, scale, etc., and for many students this can be a struggle. However, looking at this information through an infographic lense, students can come to understand all these concepts much more effectively; and produce a fine tasting dish as a bonus!
 |
| http://lloydhumphreys.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/11-cinnamon-roll-recipe-infographic.png |
So whether you are in English, Math, Social Science, Technology, Phys Ed, or any other subject area, Infographics can be a great way to demonstrate learning; and allow for a greater understanding of data across all curriculum. Yes Math may be a focus, but that doesn't mean we can't use something like infographics to work on numeracy skills in any subject, and become 'Super' as a result!
 |
| http://mashable.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Superman-Infographic-Updated.jpg |
Be sure to check out the other awesome #peel21st bloggers!
Jason....infographic provide such a great entry point for teaching a variety of mathematical concepts. And I cannot agree more with your comment about allowing for greater understanding and demonstration of learning with data across the curriculum.
ReplyDeleteThese guys (https://www.facebook.com/QmiGraphics) produce some awesome IG's, you should check them out if you already haven't.
I am so in love with infographics. I think they are absolutely amazing works of literacy and art. My twos have done a fabulous job of using infographics. Love that you keep promoting this idea.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this! I am a visual, creative person. What a great way for students who don't identify themselves as mathematicians to see the beauty in math!
ReplyDelete