Graphic Design Post
As I have incorporated more technology into my classroom I am becoming more aware of how important graphic design is when creating any lessons. In my health classes I often use Google slides for my presentations. I definitely have become better at designing slides to make them more attractive and engaging for my students. Since joining this technology cohort I have been introduced to other tools that I have started to utilize as well. Tools like Adobe Spark have allowed me to create professional looking projects for my students to enjoy. I feel that providing my students a nice variety of tools to experience is important. Too much of one technology medium can be repetitive and boring for students if used to frequently. I believe that certain design elements play a large role in maximizing the impact that a lesson can have.
There are certain design elements that can help our students learn and absorb information. I am now much more aware of how my design elements can affect my students. This goes beyond just making sure my graphics are neat and tidy. Small details like keeping labels next to the pictures they represent can make learning and retaining information much easier on my students. Making sure to not use too many different fonts, shapes, and colors can prevent a graphic from overwhelming for students. My goal for graphics is always to enhance the learning experience, not distract from it. Keeping these elements like this in mind is critical for designing effective graphics.
The majority of my technology activities designed through this cohort have been designed for my health class. However, I recently designed a poster using Google Drawings for my PE class covering PE expectations. That sparked an idea of having my PE students design some posters for the different fitness stations. Each poster could include graphics that represent that station. For example, the strength station poster could include pictures of different equipment and exercises that can be completed with that equipment. I could then hang those posters throughout the gym so students have a visual reminder for specific exercises.
Adam I love the idea of having your students create PE fitness station posters! I think this is an excellent way to get students engaged into the class. I also agree with you completely regarding variation when it comes to the use of multimedia and graphics. I think too often one type of media can be used and a teacher may wonder why their students aren't still engaged. It gets boring for anyone if the same type is used again and again. I'm glad to hear you are also able to utilize tech ideas into your PE classes and are finding ways to really integrate media to enhance the learning already happening! Great work and I can't wait to see some of the fitness station posters. I know they will be truly awesome for your students!
ReplyDeleteAdam- I also enjoy creating different slides to present information in my class. I've recently started using bitmoji's and meme to make them a bit more entertaining. I think the students are more engaged when we go through the slideshow because they look a bit more appealing. I have yet to have students create their own info-graphic but I do think it would be a great opportunity to assess what they know. I love how you make sure there aren't too many different fonts or pictures so that you are not overwhelming them. I sometimes get caught up in how much information I am presenting on one slide. I personally need to create more so that I can focus on important information instead of having it all on one slide which can be confusing for some. You have given me some great ideas and I look forward to collaborating more
ReplyDeleteGreat insights on graphic design Adam! I love the idea of having our P.E students create fitness station posters!
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