Lucidchart is an online tool used to create dynamic graphic organizers such as timelines, mind maps, venn diagrams, seating charts, and more! The tool allows for collaboration within the cloud-based software, so your whole class (or team) can create together. The tool works great for group projects or individual assignments.  

Website: Lucidchart  

Lucidchart is designed to help teachers engage students in their learning process. It allows students to design creative ways to demonstrate their own thinking and actively participate in their learning.  

Here are a few ways you and your students can use Lucidchart in your course:  

  • Collaborate with other students asynchronously on group projects  
  • Create mind maps to better understand a difficult topic 
  • Build a timeline to represent relevant content over a period of time  
  • Add sticky notes to flag areas of confusion, pain points, or questions to come back to  
  • Build KWL[Q] charts to reflect on one’s learning experience in the course  
  • Create flowcharts to represent one’s thinking processes about challenging topics  
  • Share seating charts with students to aid in contract tracing efforts  
  • Build your lesson plans in the application and choose if you want to share them with students  
  • Build rubrics (external to Canvas) to help demonstrate how you will measure students learning  

Lucidchart markets themselves as quick to learn, easy to share, and applicable to any subject area. No matter what subject you teach, the tool has many options to choose from. Lucidchart is available on all web-based devices and integrates with DU enterprise software, like Canvas and Microsoft. See an example to learn more about getting started with Lucidchart.  

3.5 Star –

3.5/5

Lucidchart ranks 3.5/5 stars for accessibility. To learn more about the accessibility review, contact otl@du.edu. 

  • Partially Supports Text to Speech (TTS) such as NVDA, Jaws, or Voiceover
  • Partially Supports Speech to Text (STT) such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking or Voice Dictation
  • Supports Alternative Input Experience/Keyboard Navigation
  • Supports Screen Magnification and Color Contrast
  • Developing Dedication to Accessibility and Content Creator Experience 

Wildenradt, A. How to use Lucidchart for distance learning. Lucidchart Blog. https://www.lucidchart.com/blog/how-to-use-lucidchart-for-distance-learning  

Explore 21st Century Learning Assignment Templates in Lucid for Education 

This technology is not included with the University of Denver. Faculty, staff, and students may need to purchase a subscription. The technology may offer educational pricing with an “.edu” email address. Free trials or free accounts may also be available through the technology website. 

Cai, H., Gu, X. (2019). Supporting collaborative learning using a diagram-based visible thinking tool based on cognitive load theory. British Journal of Educational Technology. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12818.   

Hundey, B. J. (2014). A case study in collaborative mind-mapping with Lucidchart. PDF download

OTL Technology Rating
YELLOW technologies are not widely supported. DU may or may not have a 3rd party vendor security agreement for the use of these tools. However, some uses of this tool may be appropriate for teaching if certain conditions are met.