The role of a graphic designer in the communication process is that of encoder or interpreter of the message. They work on the interpretation, ordering, and presentation of visual messages. (Wikipedia)
Sound familiar?
In many ways, as educators, we are encoders working on the interpretation, ordering, and presentation of knowledge. We can use the same skills as graphic designers to create engaging activities that impart this knowledge in our students, scaffold for support, and incorporate higher order thinking skills.
Oftentimes as educators we think in linear patterns, but design is playful, fun, and non-linear! To break this idea, you have to think outside the box and reuse shapes in different ways. Here's an excellent way to get started:
Quick Draw
Pick one:
Use this template.
Using only the shape tool and colors, you have five minutes to draw your face/ head or the face/head of your alter ego (an alternative self, which is believed to be distinct from a person's normal or true original personality).
Share on social media using #MPCSDigicamp22 and #DesignMagic and tag @MsPriesterEDU
Shapes make up more of our designs than we realize! This graphic breaks down these brand logos into their shapes and shows the power behind their designs! Click below to get a copy and practice!
You can also borrow from Sketchnoting and use the Visual Alphabet developed by Dave Gray, who believes there are 12 simple shapes that can be used to create any design:
Share your design challenge on social media using #MPCSDigicamp22 and #DesignMagic and tag @MsPriesterEDU.
Then share here!
Exit tickets are one of the easiest activities to start designing because they are used to gather quick bits of information. They can be the size of a sticky note or a half page or look like an actual ticket. You can add graphics, images, or tables...it's all up to you!
Either used digitally or printed these activities help students clarify, organize, or simplify complex information, helping students to understand and build relationships through concepts. The use of tables, shapes, and lines will help organize thoughts and information and will work best when learning goals drive the design.
A collaborative tool that can act as a whiteboard or slide and allows students to draw, brainstorm, share or reflect on their thinking. Jams can also be used in much the same way as graphic organizers. Create activities using Google Slides or Canva and then download as a jpg and upload as a background image to Jamboard. Add sticky notes right in Jamboard or add interactivity and GIFs via Canva.
These activities are best utilized to allow students to sort, group, match, label, or place information. They are a great way to replace traditional worksheets as they can be used to improve concentration and attention to detail, improve the ability to find similarities and differences in objects, help students classify objects, and improve vocabulary.
