Canva ~ A Tool for Creating Infographics

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Canva allows users to create infographics by first selecting and then customizing a template. To begin, users must register with the website and then login. Once logged in, users can begin creating their infographic by clicking the “Create a Design” button on the left side of the screen. Multiple categories of templates will then be previewed, and the categories include: Social Media Posts, Documents, Blogging & eBooks, Marketing Materials, Headers, Events, and Ads. Users are to then click a category, and a workplace will load. On the left side of the workspace are templates, and when users click one, the template will load on the right side of the screen.

Once loaded, users are able to click on the template’s different components (e.g., text, images, background) and customize them with the tools that appear above the infographic. If users wish to add additional elements, text, backgrounds, or layouts, they can click the options on the left side of the screen. Also, users can add additional slides and canvases to their infographic by clicking the “Add New Page” button that appears below the infographic. Once clicked, users will be provided with an additional workspace that they can customize.

After completing their infographic, users can click the “Share” button so they can send it out over email and social media or they can embed it and provide a link for direct access. (Note, users can give editing permission to other users via the email and link options.) If users wish to save their work to their computer, they can click the “Download” button. In addition, the infographics users create will be saved in the website, and they can access them when they login.

Please Note: Users can access most of this website’s content and functionalities for free. To access all the content and functionalities, users will need to upgrade.

Instructional Ideas for Canva

1. After reading a text about an event, individual, or discovery, students can create an infographic using this website that visually describes, summarizes, or critiques the event, individual, or discovery in some way. For example, when reading about the results from a local election, students can create their infographic so it explains either the topic being voted on or the candidates running for office. They can then add the results from the vote and their predictions for what is going to happen because of it. When finished, students can download their work and then upload it to a class website or collaborative website for sharing, like Padlet. Other students can then view the infographics are write responses that explain if they agree or do not agree with the information and why.
2. As part of a research project, teachers can have students create an infographic that summarizes their work as a visual. Students can then project their infographic and explain it as part of a presentation of their research to the class, in whole groups, small groups, or to a partner.
3. After reading a narrative, students can work in small groups to create an infographic with a series of pages that “storyboards” the narrative. To do so, one student will have to begin creating an infographic and then share it with his/her/their groupmates. Next, each person in the group can begin adding and editing the infographic in real time. When finished, a student from the group can download their work and the group can together present it to another group or the whole class.
4. Teachers can have students compare and contrast multiple websites that have similar functionalities. To do so, teachers can have students use this website as a springboard. Next, teachers can have students experiment with Smore, Storyboardthat, and PosterMyWall. When finished, teachers can give students an assignment to complete using the website of their choice. That way, it empowers students via  choices when completing the assignment.

Screenshots of Canva