Easel.Ly Visual Tool

I decided to explore a visualization tool called Easel.ly. This digital tool allows users to create infographics to build visual representations. The site offers a free version or users can upgrade to the “Pro” version for just three dollars per month or 36 dollars a year. On the free version, the site offers different themes and objects that the user can include in their visual creation, and it is up to the user to use the site’s search engine to sort through the many available options.

In my opinion, some positives features the website offers includes providing a variety of templates, design options, and text features that can be easily utilized by users. If you were using Easel.ly in a classroom, students can benefit from having the ability to create poster replicas directly from their device. This will still allow students to work on enhancing their creativity since the user can chose how to outline their visual, along with the ability to add their own graphics from an outer source. It also allows students to have control over their own learning and the emphasis on visuals over text can cater to visual learners.

Another positive feature that Easel.ly offers is that students can easily download their finished visual onto their own computer. This will make it easy for students to submit their creations to the teacher or other classmates. The only issue I noticed was that if you chose to embed a video in your visual, the video will not download with the visual.

I will admit, the site was a little challenging to use on my first attempt, therefore, I recommend giving students a tutorial before asking students to create visuals independently. However, a con of using Easel.ly in the classroom is that the free version provides much fewer options for layouts, themes, and images. I saw many great options but was not able to select them without paying for a membership. If you are serious about providing students a place to create visuals on the computer, it may be worth subscribing for the low cost of three dollars monthly.

                                             (My sample creation with the free version)