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What is Easel ?

Easel is an online tool that allows registered persons to create and share infographics online. Easel has created themes, otherwise known as vhemes, that people can use to construct their own infographic. To begin the process, users drag a theme or vheme onto a blank canvas and begin the editing process. The toolbar allows users to customize their infographic by adding objects (people, animals, banners, etc.), text, and artwork (visual and auditory). These infographics can be made private or shared with the public.

What are the benefits of Easel?
 * Students can create professional looking data visuals and infographics at no cost.
 * Students do not need to be tech savy to design or create a product. Easel provides users a step by step video.
 * Students can view classmates' infographics and leave feedback by clicking the "Like" button.
 * Easel is an engaging new way to ask students to present information.

Here is an Example of an Easel we created. This is a concept map for a unit on Geology in first grade. @https://s3.amazonaws.com/easel.ly/all_easels/190021/GeologyConceptMap/image.jpg

Easel Activity How to create an Easel infographic... 1) Create an Easel account by registering an email address and creating a password. 2) To help navigate the website, we recommend watching the tutorial video media type="custom" key="23848210" width="120" height="1" align="left"

3) Once you have set up your account, login to the program. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">4) Click the "Get Started" icon to begin creating your infographic. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">5) A blank "artboard" will appear on your screen. Use the toolbar at the top to begin creating. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">6) When you are finished designing your infographic just click the "Save" button and title your visual.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">The "Vhemes" button allows you to choose different pre-made themes to add to your canvas
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">The "Objects" button allows you to add graphics such as people, banners, animals, maps, music, etc. Just drag the object you want on to your canvas.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">The "Backgrounds" button allows you to change the background color.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">The "Shapes" button allows you to add shapes, arrows, and speech bubbles to your canvas. Just drag the object to your canvas.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">The "Text" button allows you to enter text.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">The "Upload" button allows you to add files or images from your computer's hard drive.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 19.2px;">How can I use Easel in my classroom? <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Student Examples**
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Science: concept map**
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Reading: character maps**
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Persuasive infographic based on current events/research**
 * **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Social Studies/Literacy: biography/timeline **
 * **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Research/Inquiry: think charts/graphic organizers **

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> **Teacher Examples**
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Share research or data with colleagues**
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Exam review** <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 90%;">(scroll down to the last example on the blog)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Classroom anchor chart**

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">**Read this blogpost for more information about easel.ly and how to use it in your classroom!**