Using Canva: Create Engaging Infographics for Students

---

Coming to you from Marie Huntsinger, Sociology Faculty
Canva is an easy-to-use, free design tool that helps you create visually appealing infographics to engage students. Infographics simplify complex topics, making information digestible and memorable. They are perfect for summarizing content, creating study guides, or presenting research data in a way that enhances student learning and retention.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sign up or log in to Canva at www.canva.com.
2. Select “Infographic” from the search bar to access a variety of templates.
3. Choose a template or start from scratch. Customize the layout by adding text, images, and graphics to suit your content.
4. Add your course content: Use icons, data visualization tools, and shapes to represent information visually.
5. Save and export: Once completed, download your infographic as a PNG, PDF, or JPEG and share it with students via Canvas or email.

---

Scenario 1: Communicating Honors Program RequirementsYou want to inform your fellow faculty members about critical deadlines and requirements for working with honors students, including submitting honors contracts, grading projects, and attending co-curricular events. To make this information more digestible, you decide to create an infographic by following these steps:​

1) Choose a Template:

• Log in to Canva and search for "infographic templates."
• Select a clean, professional-looking template that fits your needs for organizing and highlighting key points.

2) Customize the Layout:

• Add your main topic at the top (e.g., "CGCC Honors Faculty – What Should You Know?").
• Create sections highlighting each major component (e.g., Honors Contracts, Honors Projects, Co-Curriculars, New Grant Opportunities).

3) Add Visual Elements:

• Use icons and color-coding to differentiate sections.
• Include relevant email addresses or deadlines in clear, bold fonts.

4) Share with Faculty:

• Once your infographic is complete, download it as a PNG or PDF and share it via email or Canvas. You can also print copies for distribution during meetings or post them on bulletin boards.

Scenario 2: Promoting a New Program or Initiative
​Imagine you're tasked with promoting a new college-wide initiative, such as a faculty development program or a student success initiative. Instead of sending a lengthy email with dense text, you follow these steps to create a visually engaging infographic highlighting the key points:

1) Select a Template:

• Log in to Canva and choose a pre-made template that aligns with the theme of your message. Canva offers templates for various topics, from educational outreach to professional development.

2) Customize the Content:

• Break down the information into digestible sections, such as the program's goals, critical deadlines, and the steps involved. Use bold, clear headers (like in the example you shared) to help organize the content.
• Use relevant visuals, such as icons, charts, or illustrations, to make the information stand out and keep the reader’s attention.

3) Add Key Links and Contact Information:

• Use Canva’s text tools to add links, deadlines, or contact details in clear, easy-to-read fonts.
• For example, add a call-to-action at the bottom: “Sign up by October 15th @ www.examplelink.com"

4) Distribrute the Infographic:

• Once your design is complete, download it as a PDF or PNG and distribute it through email or Canvas or post it on bulletin boards across campus. You could also present it during faculty meetings.

---

In this 9:39-minute tutorial, you’ll learn how to make an infographic poster. 

This 2:36-minute video shows how to use infographics in the classroom.

​Canva is a versatile and user-friendly tool that simplifies the creation of visually appealing infographics. Whether you’re summarizing course material, promoting a new initiative, or simplifying complex information, infographics help make content more accessible and memorable for students and faculty.

---

Thank you to Professor Marie Huntsinger for sharing the detailed Canva information and beautiful infographics. Last year, Marie shared ChatGPT and Nearpod Tech Tuesday posts, which you can find on the CTLA Teaching and Learning Blog. In addition to teaching Sociology, Marie coordinates the Honors at CGCC, which is one of the largest programs in MCCCD.
Her expertise and dedication to teaching and learning continue to inspire both faculty and students alike. We are grateful for her ongoing contributions to enhancing the learning experience at our college.

---