Category: Deep Dive Inquiry

My partner and I divided the work and outlined our research before creating a rough draft of our infographic. After compiling our research, we outlined the main ideas and began using Canva to organize the layout. One of our primary objectives was to ensure that our infographic was both aesthetically pleasing and educational. As we put the pieces together, we saw that some parts needed to be simplified because they contained too much text. We decided to organize the material into bullet points. For example, we used examples like the Calm app and other apps of that sort. Which offers relaxation methods and guided meditations to lessen tension and anxiety. Apps like Calm are a great addition to our project because they can be effective tools for controlling the harmful effects of social media and false information. To keep everything organized, we continued using our shared Google Docs file, allowing us to provide feedback, make edits, and track our progress efficiently. Completing the rough draft helped us see what was working well and what needed adjustments, setting the foundation for the final version of our infographic.

Calm. (2024). Calm: Meditation & Sleep App. https://www.calm.com

My partner and I set up a planning meeting to go over our project workflow after deciding on a topic and platform. We strategically divided our tasks to ensure efficiency because collaboration was essential. Based on our strengths, we started by clearly defining roles and deadlines. She handled the other sections of the research while I concentrated on the others. We also talked about the value of digital storytelling during our conversation we wanted our infographic to be both educational and entertaining.

To keep ourselves accountable, we created a shared Google Docs file where we could collaborate in real-time, drop research links, and leave comments. While working on our project we realized the growing significance of digital literacy for youth as we talked about our project. Digital literacy is crucial for critically and safely navigating online environments, according to the article Navigating the Digital World The Importance of Digital Literacy for Teens and Young Adults. The article emphasizes how mental health issues, online dangers, and false information can result from a lack of digital literacy. This supported our choice to concentrate on the relationship between digital literacy and mental health and influenced the project’s design.

Else, B. (2024, February 27). Digital Literacy for Teens: Navigating the Digital Age Responsibly. Emergent Life Skills and Education Consulting. https://emergentlifeskills.com/navigating-the-digital-world-the-importance-of-digital-literacy-for-teens-and-young-adults/#:~:text=Digital%20literacy%20teaches%20young%20people,and%20manage%20their%20digital%20footprints.&text=In%20an%20age%20of%20information,of%20online%20sources%20is%20indispensable

When my partner and I began brainstorming for our project, we wanted to explore a topic that was relevant, impactful, and connected to modern issues. After discussing multiple ideas, we both agreed that digital literacy’s effect on mental health was a fascinating subject. In today’s world, where misinformation, cyberbullying, and social media addiction are rampant, understanding how digital literacy influences mental well-being is essential. According to a 2021 Pew Research Center report, 64% of Americans believe that misinformation increases stress and anxiety, reinforcing the importance of this topic (Pew Research Center, 2021).

After deciding on a topic, we examined various formats for presenting our findings. Canvas excellent design options and intuitive layout are the main reasons we chose to use it. We effectively communicated our findings by creating an interesting and eye-catching infographic with Canva. Additionally, the platform allows for multimedia integration so that we could incorporate images, and source links into our design. We consulted credible sources. In addition, we aim to produce an educational, eye-catching infographic that is accessible to a range of viewers.

Pew Research Center. (2024, October 23). Pew Research Center | Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your world. https://www.pewresearch.org/