The use of Graphic Resources in education has many benefits. First, they facilitate instructional communication. As Winn explains, graphics make abstract and complex information concrete and easy to understand. Graphics are also important in Web 2.0 tools. However, educators must use them wisely. Here are a few tips for using graphics in education. o Select graphics that are relevant to the content. o Use minimal graphics. Keep in mind that the use of decorative graphics will interfere with learning.
Decorative graphics can interfere with learning
Decorative graphics can be both distracting and beneficial to learning. When used in moderation, they can add visual appeal to the content while minimizing distracting effects. Anything that does not contribute to the learner’s understanding of the content is distracting. If used in excessive amounts, they can actually impede learning. Decorative graphics should be limited to those necessary for the course’s primary instructional goal. Here are some common ways to avoid using them:
Use graphics that are relevant to the content
When designing online courses, instructors should avoid using inappropriate or offensive images. In the digital age, image usage rights can be unclear. To avoid causing confusion, you should use images from reputable sites and cite the source properly. If you have no idea about the rights, you should do an internet search for royalty-free images. Google Images has an intuitive search feature. Filter images by usage rights, and look for the “labeled for reuse” option.
Avoid adding decorative elements
Whenever possible, avoid adding decorative elements to graphic resources for education. Using decorative pictures breaks up textual information and provides the learner with eye candy. However, they don’t directly contribute to learning outcomes. Consequently, instructional designers discourage their use. Instead, they should integrate textual and graphic information, such as overlaying procedural steps on a diagram. Here are some examples:
Icons are the first visual resource used in Web 2.0 tools
As we all know, Web 2.0 tools are becoming more common in schools. While this may be the first visual resource used in educational programs, this strategy has been around for a long time, starting with clipart. Teachers have long used icons in educational printables. Today, icons are used in all stages of education, from analytic book projects to comparative infographics. You can find free icons from many sources, including websites and free downloads. Also, you can learn to design your own icons with websites such as Font squirrel and Dafont.
Icons can be used in any student project
Icons are a great way to help students distinguish one assignment from another. They can be used to break down complex ideas and give visual feedback. They can also be used in student projects to improve the quality of handouts or flowcharts. There are numerous free icon sets available online, including a variety of animal and plant icons. You can also use Google Drawing to pair icons with text. For more ideas, check out this tutorial video by Stephanie Filardo.
