Images are a great way to convey information, but it is important to use images that help to communicate your message. Images used for decoration or disconnected to content add nothing and can even detract from your message. Research supports the idea that people learn better from text and graphics than from text alone. One theory suggests that people may store information in long-term memory better with textual information paired with relevant graphics.
Our brains process visual information presented by graphics faster than text. According to the Visual Teaching Alliance:
Approximately 65% of the population learns visually
90% of the information entering the brain is visual
Visual Aids increase learning by 40%
Our eyes can register 36,000 visual messages per hour
Image Types
Which image format should you use? The answer is it depends on the type of information you wish to convey. Here is a short primer on image formats.
Jpeg (Joint Photographers Experts Group) images are a common format for digital cameras. Jpegs compress image data so that files are smaller and more manageable for loading web pages and downloading. The jpeg compression is lossy, meaning that some data and detail are lost. Jpeg is capable of producing up to 16 million colors. One thing to consider when using jpeg is that every time you edit and save an image you lose some quality because the image is again compressed. Also enlarging jpegs will cause loss of detail. They are not scalable.
Gif (Graphics Interchange Format) images are limited in colors (only 256) and were a favorite in the early days of the web, especially for graphics. They also produce small file sizes and are used for cartoons and graphic elements such as headers and buttons on web pages. Gif compression is lossless. Gif can also support transparency and animation.
Tiff images contain full color characteristics but cannot be loaded by web pages. Like gif compression, tiff compression is lossless but tiff file sizes are very large.
Png (Portable Network Graphics) images contain detail and lossless compression and can be used for both graphics and pictures.
Bottom line is to use jpeg when using photos and need a smaller file size, but don’t mind losing some detail. Png also works well for photos and has relatively small file sizes. Gif is great for graphics with the smallest file size and png works well with larger file sizes.
The following jpeg image shows some loss of detail:
Enlarging the image causes more loss of detail:
Gif images also show detail loss when enlarged.
Because of the limited color palette, gif images work better for diagrams, cartoons and animations.
You can use images to convey information, describe procedures and present problem solving skills. For example, I use anatomical diagrams to present information about structures. For presenting a process such as blood pressure regulation I would use a series of transformational images that change as the process enfolds. For problem solving, I could use images that represent the problem or possible solutions.
Images should be relevant to your message. Avoid using clip art and other decorative images since they distract and detract from learning. You can use professional stock images or take your own pictures. There are 3 main factors that relate to the effectiveness of images:
1. Features of the Graphic
2. Goals of Instruction
3. Learner Differences
Features of the image consist of how the image is presented. Is it a photo, animation, line drawing? It turns out these surface features are not critical with regard to learning. Animations can be as effective as line drawings or photos. What is important is the functionality of the image. In other words, how well does the image convey the necessary information.
Goals of instruction refer to the different learning outcomes. For example, if your goal is to describe a procedure, then multiple images may be necessary to do so. Likewise, if you are exploring solutions to a problem, then you may decide to use one image to describe a scenario.
Learner differences include prior knowledge and spatial ability. For example, in my anatomy courses I tend to use more detailed and complex images for conveying information about anatomical structures.
The bottom line is that images need to relate to what you are attempting to teach.
Use Visual Cues to Direct Attention
Using visual clues like arrows, circles and highlighting helps to direct attention to images or parts of images relevant to your message. You can also use a picture of a person looking at a part of an image. People tend to follow the gaze of another person.
Group Similar Elements
Grouping similar elements helps to satisfy our brain’s need for organization. For example, if you are teaching a section on cell division (mitosis) you can use images of cells in various stages of cell division.
Avoid Stock Photo Cliche's
We’ve all seen them. The over enthusiastic happy group of people with just the right amount of diversity gathered around a boss hanging on every word. Students tend to roll their eyes at these so don’t use them.
From: https://www.paulolyslager.com/psychology-of-stock-photography/
Place Images According to Eye Movements
Our eyes tend to move from top to bottom and left to right so placing your series of images along these pathways tend to create a more natural flow for your students.
Use Text Next to Images
Make it easy for your students to relate text or labels to your images by placing text next to images. Images labeled with numbers and letters with answer keys at the bottom or side of a page increase cognitive load by making students search for answers.
Images are a great way to break up textual content and reduce cognitive load. I've added a good deal of images to my courses and have even taken pictures of diagrams I've drawn on a white board, converted to a pngs, removed the backgrounds and imported into screen capture videos. So, get out there and take some pics with your phone, camera or screen capture app like the Windows snipping app and get them into your courses.
For more information on online course design, visit:
https://drbruceforciea.com
Comments
Post a Comment