Over the last number of years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been at the forefront of our minds when it comes to teaching and learning, and its overall impact on education. There are a wide range of AI tools available to use and it can be difficult for teachers to decide which to use. Over the last number of months, I have been using an AI tool that simply transforms text into visuals to communicate information more effectively to my students. This AI tool is called Napkin AI.
What in Napkin AI?
Napkin AI is an artificial intelligence tool that simply transforms a large piece of text and changes it into a visual representation. This can be in the form of a process diagram, timelines, graphs, charts to name but a few. These graphics can then be downloaded and/or shared to be used in conjunction with the text. I have provided an example below of how I used Napkin AI for my classes.
How to use Napkin AI
A “napkin” basically represents a blank canvas. There are three starting options.
Option 1: A blank napkin – A user can start off with a blank napkin to type or paste in their own text.
Option 2: Create a prompt for the AI tool to create the piece of text for you.
Option 3: Import a document with the text you want to transform (such as a google doc or pdf).
To give an example of how Napkin AI works, I created the following for my Leaving Certificate Agricultural Science class. The text below relates to sheep production in Ireland, with a few of the important key facts. I pasted these points onto a blank napkin directly from my notes.
Using the “blue lightning bolt” button on the left hand side of the text, Napkin AI transforms the text into a visual representation, as seen below. The style and design of this can be changed to suit the information I am trying to convey to my students. The visual can also be edited, and new connectors and decorators can be added to the visual if necessary.
Napkins can be shared with other users via the “Share button” to allow for collaboration with colleagues, or to create new designs. Images can also be added to Napkins, as well as colour changes, etc. There are many aspects of design that can be incorporated into the napkins.
Once complete, the visual can be downloaded as a pdf or image, so it can be used in documents, blogs and presentations. As with all AI tools, I would advise to re-check the information presented on the visual to make sure it conveys correct information. AI created content should always be double checked.
Personally, I find Napkin AI to be extremely useful for Leaving Certificate students. As subjects can be quite text heavy with lots of information, visual representations are useful ways to display the information.
A picture tells a thousand words!
For more information, please see www.napkin.ai.
Thank you!