Visualizing Understanding: Designer Babies

Infographs are everywhere.  They are visual representations of dense information that give the reader a better understanding of a specific topic or further inquiry into the topic.  I decided to use an infograph for the basis of an ethical debate.  This platform allowed me set up the topic (Designer Babies), give some background and history on the situation (Eugenics), and then pose questions that would lead to a class discussion (Are the two any different?) 

To introduce how the topic is relevant to the past, I created a concept map on the topic of Eugenics.  I wanted to show the severity of the ramifications that Eugenics caused to society not only on a national scale (United States), but also a global scale (causing WWII).  We can use history as a way of learning from our mistakes.  We do not want to have the same outcome as in the past, World War II.  That is why these topics need to be discussed.  Even though we are not discussing laws or political agendas, I believe it is important to introduce the potential consequences that the scientific community can bestow on the whole of society into the classroom. 

I also used a representation of a person and their characteristics.  These characteristics are used in situations today to determine your egg or sperm donor.  However, when will the characteristics you are able to choose cover more than just the physical aspects of a person? 

Using an infrograph taught me to condense the vast amount of information available on the topic into what was necessary to bring background and relevance to my ethical dilemma.  Then it forced me to expand on the relevant information in a visual and engaging manner.  My hope was to create a curiosity of the reader by the end. 

I believe that having students use visualizations as a vehicle for learning is very beneficial.  If I am having them use the visuals for a resource it allows them to see the big picture of topics.  I can then direct them in the process of conducting additional research on a part that they are interested in.

I also see the benefits of having the students create their own infrographs.  It forces them to use/determine the most relevant information on a topic, make connections between the information and then relay it in an easy to understand manner. 

By having the students create their own infographs, they are essential becoming a teacher.  I believe that true understanding and learning comes from the ability to teach others the material you are learning.

If you can't explain it to a six year old, 

you don't understand it yourself.

- Albert Einstein