Infographics To Think About: Part 1

The rise of Web 2.0 tools, access to big data, and availability of easy-to-use image editors have produced a plethora of infographics in the last few years.  One can find infographics on anything from Star Wars profits to world water usage to real and artificial Christmas tree usage.  They can be quite useful in creating a visual summation on a range of complex information and data. 

In fact, there is even an infographic explaining just "What Is an Infographic."

Click to see full graphic. Source: http://www.customermagnetism.com/infographics/imgs/what-is-an-infographic.jpg

In this blog post, we're going to take a look at some of our favorite infographics that deal with technology, education and college.  This first infographic actual identifies and explains different concepts and elements of technology and education.  It professes to be an "Edtech Cheatsheet."

Click to see full graphic. Source: http://jeffhurtblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/EdTechCheatSheetInfographic.jpg 

Next, let's take a look at textbooks.  Those costly but sometimes essential resources for a college course.  This infographic explores the benefits and challenges of digital textbooks.

Click to see full graphic. Source: http://hbculifestyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/digital-textbooks.gif

This infographic looks at how the digital world is impacting student experiences and learning.  

Click to see full graphic. Source: http://thumbnails.visually.netdna-cdn.com/infographic-how-technology-is-facilitating-education_50290f237b01d.jpg

Similar to the one above, this infographic considers the go-to Apps that are impacting education for students and educators alike.

Click to see full graphic. Source: http://www.collegerecruiter.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Apps-and-Education-Infographic.png

Continuing along these lines, this infographic considers the impact on the classroom that digital technology is impacting. 

Click to see full graphic. Source: http://techloy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Digital-Classroom-Infographic.png

Here, we have an infographic on gamification in education (which if you want a sense of what that looks like, I encourage you to check out Jane McGonical's TED Talk, Gaming Can Make a Better World).

Click to see full graphic. Source: http://s.knewton.com/wp-content/uploads/gamification-education.png

 Interestingly, this infographic explores usage and interest among faculty and instructors with regards to social media.  We're familiar with students' usage, but there isn't much talking about instructor usage.  

Click to see full graphic. Source: http://www.saltywaffle.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/social-media-2011-2010-infographic.gif

These last two infographics explore the future of higher education.  

Click to see full graphic. Source: http://collegeof2020.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/The-Future-Of-Higher-Education-800.jpeg

Click to see full graphic. Source: http://www.peterpappas.com/images//2012/02/six-emerging-technologies-in-education.jpg

Infographics are not beyond your own abilities.  There's lots of advice about what makes a good infographic.  There's also resources and tools out there to help you make an infographic. 

What infographics do you enjoy?  What are some of your favorite sources for infographics?