LucidChart
What is it?
Lucidchart is a web-based diagram application that allows for the creation of flowcharts, diagrams, charts, floor plans, wireframes, and concept maps.
What is its purpose?
In addition supporting the creation of various diagrams that can be published and shared in a variety of formats, Lucidchart is a collaborative tool that allows multiple creators to work on a document synchronously.
How to use it
After setting up an account and signing in online, use a variety of templates to get started creating or work with a blank canvas. Documents can be shared with others by invite. Created diagrams can be exported in a variety of formats (e.g. .jpeg, .pdf, etc.)
Where to find Support
This tool is not centrally supported
Help and Documentation
For help, please refer to the Lucidchart documentation
Tool Evaluation
Functionality
| Rating | Rationale |
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ScaleLucidchart can scaled to accommodate any size class however, only a team account (paid) allows flexibility to create smaller sub-groups |
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Ease of UseLucidchart has a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and personalize |
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Tech Support/Help AvailabilityTechnical support and help documentation is available in the form of web pages or videos |
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HypermedialityLucidchart allows users to communicate through different channels (audio, visual, textual) but is limited in its ability to provide non-sequential, flexible/adaptive engagement with material |
Accessibility
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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AODA FriendlyLucidchart does not provide information on the accessibility of its services |
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User-focused participationLucidchart is designed to address the needs of diverse users, their various literacies, and capabilities, thereby widening opportunities for participation in learning |
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Required EquipmentProper use of Lucidchart does not require equipment other than a computer and access to the internet |
Technical
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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OWL IntegrationLucidchart can only be offered in OWL through a link or static representations of the tool (i.e. PDF), rather than a functional version of the tool itself |
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Operating SystemsUsers can effectively utilize Lucidchart with any standard, up-to-date operating system (i.e. Windows 10, Apple OSX, etc.) |
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Web BrowserUsers can effectively utilize Lucidchart with any standard, up-to-date web browser (i.e. Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Internet Explorer 10 etc.) |
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Additional Tech RequirementsUsers can effectively utilize Lucidchart without any browser extensions or downloaded software |
Mobile Design
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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Mobile Operating SystemsLucidchart has limited functionality with some devices, limiting mobility. For example, there is a mobile app for Android but it currently only allows for users to view their charts and does not enable editing |
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Mobile FunctionalityBasic features of the main tool are functional on the mobile app but advanced features are limited |
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Offline AccessThe platform can be used offline but tools and content are affected |
Usage and Account Set Up
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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Sign Up/Sign InAll users (instructors and students) must create an external account or additional login to access charts |
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Cost of UseLimited aspects of Lucidchart can be used for free with other elements requiring payment of a fee, membership, or subscription. Free accounts are limited by the number of active documents one can have (limit 3), the number of objects per chart (limit 60), shapes available, |
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Archiving, Saving, and Exporting DataUsers can archive, save, or import and export content or activity data in a variety of formats |
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Data Privacy and OwnershipUsers maintain copyright of their intellectual property/data; While you retain copyright, Lucidchart states they have the right to “reproduce, adapt, modify, translate, publish, and distribute Content solely for the purpose of enabling Lucidchart to provide you with the Services” |
Social Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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CollaborationLucidchart has the capacity to support a community of learning through both asynchronous and synchronous opportunities for communication, interactivity, and transfer of meaning between users |
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User AccountabilityInstructors cannot control student anonymity but Lucidchart provides some solution for holding students accountable for their actions |
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DiffusionStudent familiarity with the tool is likely mixed, some will lack basic technical competence with its functions |
Instructor Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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FacilitationLucidchart has easy-to-use features that would significantly improve an instructor’s ability to be present with students via active management, monitoring, and engagement |
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CustomizationLucidchart is adaptable to its environment: easily customized to suit the classroom context and targeted learning outcomes |
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Learning AnalyticsLucidchart is not designed to support the collection of learning analytics |
Cognitive Presence
| Rating | Rationale |
|---|---|
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Enhancement of Cognitive Task(s)Lucidchart enhances engagement in targeted cognitive task(s) that were once overly complex or inconceivable through other means |
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Higher Order ThinkingLucidchart may engage students in higher order thinking skills (given significant consideration to design, facilitation, and direction from instructor) |
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Feedback on LearningLucidchart supports some opportunity for giving and receiving feedback through the chat feature |
Security and Privacy
This tool has not been formally reviewed by Western’s Technology Risk Assessment Committee
Security and Privacy Flags
Accounts
- Users are required to create and use a non-Western account. It is highly recommended that users do not use the same username and password that is in use at Western.
Information Collection
- Application collects information that could identify the user specifically (email address, class schedule, etc..)
- Application collects information that is confidential (physical address, drivers licence number, health card number, social insurance number)
- This application may use profile information and/or provided data for marketing purposes
EULA
- Acceptance of the Application's Terms of Conditions or End User License Agreement may bind the institution to an agreement thereby requiring legal counsel to review the application contract.
Cost and Approval
- The application may require the instructor to enter credit card information
- The application may require students to enter credit card information
Integration
- This application is hosted outside of Canada
Last Updated: January 31, 2020
Rubric
The eLearning Toolkit Evaluations are made available under the terms of the CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 licence
Feedback
Leave feedback to comment or request that the tool be re-reviewed
Topic at a Glance
Lucidchart is an online diagram application
