Napkin: Infographics| AI Tool Spotlight

Starting today, I will share AI platforms that I consider most helpful. Those who know me will be aware of the fact that I always promote an integrated approach- adhering to TPACK (Technology Pedagogy Content Knowledge) and SAMR models and focusing on pedagogy first before selecting a suitable tool that can help achieve our goals. So, as I introduce a new platform, please keep in mind it is never just about the tool itself and the "magic" it can do, but about using it effectively to augment and ultimately redefine and transform the learning experience (SAMR, 2006).

After reading about the tool, and playing around a bit with it to explore its functions, look for examples of how it can best be used, be inspired, and consider thoughtfully how you can integrate it successfully in your teaching- when the need arises while carefully designing a meaningful learning experience for your students. Plenty of examples integrating this one and other useful digital platforms will be found in the book I am writing on Digital Literacy- which includes the ability to use information and communication technologies (ICT) to find, evaluate, create and share information effectively and responsibly, requiring both cognitive and technical skills (The American Library Association, 2011; 2025)- for Delta Publishing- to be released at the beginning of next year.

Visualizing text through infographics

What is Napkin.ai?

Napkin is an AI platform that transforms text into engaging visuals like infographics or flowcharts. It helps visualize complex ideas in a simple way. It can be used by teachers and students alike. For example, teachers can make use of it for lectures to create visually appealing materials, instead of slides filled with text. Students can employ the platform to visually summarize key concepts from group discussions or readings. These uses enhance comprehension and retention.​

Napkin.ai's home page

How do I use Napkin.ai?

1. Sign Up : Visit Napkin.ai and create a free account.​

2. Create a new Napkin : After logging in, start a new project by selecting "Create my first Napkin.

3. Insert Text : Write or paste text you have prepared into the workspace.​

4. Generate Visuals: Hover over the text with your mouse and click the blue "Generate Visual" button that appears on the left side of the text block. Napkin.ai will offer a selection of visual representations to choose from.​

5. Customize: Choose the visual that best fits your needs. You can edit text, adjust colors, change fonts, and modify layouts.​

6. Export: Once satisfied with the visual, export it in your preferred format (PNG, SVG, PDF, or PPT) for use. Just hover over the image and the export feature with a download icon will appear.

   
   

   For a visual of these guidelines see fig 1. below:

Goodbye to text and bullet-filled slides

Multimodality and conciseness

As I was preparing for a talk on Digital Citizenship a few months ago, I understood I could use Napkin to combine text with images in an effective way for the audience to best absorb the messages (Mayer, 2021, 2022). So, I opened a new Napkin, inserted the text below and got the infographic at the bottom of the page. I downloaded and inserted as image in a slide for a talk. So, instead of using bullets or writing plain text, I explained Digital Citizenship orally while the audience could focus on the main ideas shown in the infographic.

Text from the original slide:

ISTE Standards - Digital Citizenship (2024)

Students recognize the responsibilities and opportunities for contributing to their digital communities.

Students:

1. Manage their digital identity and understand the lasting impact of their online behaviors on themselves and others and make safe, legal and ethical decisions in the digital world.

2. Demonstrate empathetic, inclusive interactions online and use technology to responsibly contribute to their communities.

3. Safeguard their well-being by being intentional about what they do online and how much time they spend online.

4. Take action to protect their digital privacy on devices and manage their personal data and security while online

Output from Napkin.ai based on the text above:

Visual summarizing the characteristics of a learner whop has digital citizenship skills, as defined by ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education)

THINK:

How could this help enhance students' learning experience in a lesson? Think of an activity in which learners will need to create an infographic, while developing critical thinking and digital skills?