There are many applications you might use to create informative and attractive online posters, otherwise known as infographics (including PPT, word, pages or any desktop publishing or word processing application). One of these, Piktochart, is a web-based and iOS application allows its users to create their own original design or select from a variety of well-designed templates. Those familiar with software like Microsoft PowerPoint should have little to no trouble using Piktochart as its simple and attractive design makes creating infographics rather intuitive for your average user. Another option I’ve used with students is Canva. NOTE: both Piktochart and Canva are not Canadian housed. Visit this post to learn more about protecting student privacy.
Free Version
- Create:
- Infographics
- Presentations (similar to PowerPoint)
- Posters
- Reports
- Copyright Free Access to:
- Backgrounds
- Icons & Images
- Some Templates
- PNG or JPEG Exports
An example of what a Piktochart Infographic might look like:
Creating an infographic allows you to share your ideas in an attractive poster-style manner on the web via social media or embedded in a blog. Key ideas are highlighted without cluttering your information, which can often be unattractive and overwhelming to viewers. Being able to create and consume information in a visual way supports varied learners and allows even those with less developed fine motor skills create posters with a professional feel.
This application is designed in a way that encourages its users to keep their content simple and attractive, and makes it rather easy to do so. The Piktochart Blog also has an interesting post titled “Seeing is Believing: 5 Studies about Visual Information Processing” that outlines some key findings about the way people perceive digital media and its impact on digital content creation.
- Go to the Piktochart website and click “Start for Free” on the front page.
- Enter your information, and confirm your email address.
- Log in to Piktochart with your newly created account and get creating.
Basic features: