1,000 Words are Worth a Picture: Infographics to Enhance Teaching and Learning 

Presenter: Normandy Roden

Co-Presenter: Travis Chillemi

Organization: University of Colorado

Role: Director, Finance & Procurement Business Services

Track: General Presentation

Topic: Innovative Presentation Design

Level: For Mere Mortals

Abstract: It has long been said that “a picture is worth 1,000 words.” The reverse is certainly true as well: “1,000 words are worth (creating) a picture.” Information graphics – “infographics” – clarify complex information and highlight trends, patterns, and connections. They offer ways to enhance engagement, increase understanding, and promote retention. The presenters will review several free infographic tools; discuss practical applications of specific data visualizations; and, offer design tips to optimize infographic effectiveness.

Bio: In the Office of University Controller (OUC), Normandy directs the development and communication of fiscal policies, procedures, and training for the University of Colorado System. She has an extensive background in instruction and documentation, focusing on the use of new technologies and tools to optimize business processes and individual performance. Her co-presenter, Travis Chillemi, is responsible for online communications for the OUC and PSC and assists in development of the CU website, portal, and other resources. He has a degree in fine arts/multimedia.

Description: It has long been said that “a picture is worth 1,000 words.” The reasoning behind this lies (literally) in the human brain, which is designed to process visual cues more rapidly than text. By the same logic, one could also say that “1,000 words are worth a picture.” That is, when a large amount of text is required to convey information, it may be better to present that information using visually friendly displays.
In an era of information overload, information graphics – “infographics” – make complex information clear. As David McCandless notes in his TED talk on data visualization, “when you’re lost in information, an information map can help.” Infographics make trends, patterns, and connections clear as well. In teaching and learning, infographics offer a methodology to enhance engagement, increase understanding, and promote retention.
The presenters will review several free infographic tools to improve teaching, learning, and communication (explanations of concepts, procedures, historical overviews, survey results, social media impressions, etc.).
They will discuss practical applications of specific data visualizations (stacked graphs, tree maps, word clouds, balloon races, mind maps, timelines, etc.).
Finally, they will offer design tips to optimize infographic effectiveness.
The session encourages audience interaction/questions to ensure concrete takeaways.