Week 12: Infused Classroom- Sketchnoting

 This week I looked at Holly Clark's blog Infused Classroom and her review of Pear Deck. 

What are some benefits of Sketchnoting? 

Sketchnoting is a way for students to interact with information and their learning. It allows students to include drawings and captions in their note taking and can help with retention of the content being taught. According to Clark, our culture focuses on verbal information and ignores other ways of processing, such as drawing. Clark also states, "research shows that visuals are processed 60,000 times faster than text!" (Clark, 2020). By sketchnoting students draw and write notes or thoughts to best process the content that they are learning. Clark suggests that teachers have students explain their notes to make their thinking and learning visible. Teachers have a variety of options for students to sketchnote such as, Drawings on Drive, Auto Draw and Autodesk Sketchbook. 

Can I use Sketchnoting in the classroom? 

With online learning sketchnoting is more relevant than every before. Students are continuously staring at the computer screen and can get distracted by things around their house. Sketchnoting can help students pay attention in a new way.  It is a great time for teachers to take advantage of all their students having access to technology. 

My students frequently use Seesaw. Seesaw has a wide variety of audio, drawing and text features. We are currently in a science unit on inheritance and traits of animals. Students are introduced to new scientific vocabulary and ideas on a daily basis. While my students are listening to me teach I think I could easily incorporate sketchnoting. Student could draw or write on Seesaw as they listen. They then could use the audio feature to explain their notes. Having students turn their work in on Seesaw would allow me to confirm that they were paying attention and trying to show their understanding in their own way. Additionally, I could see my students benefiting from sharing their notes in breakout rooms. This could be helpful for students to see how their peers process their learning. 

Sketchnoting can easily be incorporated into any classroom with any subject. Right now studnets have access to more technology tools than ever before. Teachers should not wait any longer to incorporate this unique way of note taking.