Along with having great course content, you should also have an outstanding use of visuals throughout the entire course. Sometimes finding the right images can be more difficult than originally anticipated. Your images must add value to the course, whether it is a graph or chart explaining the information, or just an example photo that the student can relate to. Keep in mind that specific eLearning platforms can have different ways to feature visuals throughout your course. These are 10 Do’s and Don’ts for choosing eLearning visuals, beginning with the quality.

1. Do find quality images. Avoid using blurry or pixelated images within your courses. Rather than looking unprofessional or distracting your students, either use quality images or none at all.
2. Don’t use visuals without a purpose. It is important that all of your images have a purpose and add value to your course. Don’t use images just for decoration or to fill in space. Images without a specific meaning may be distracting to your students, rather than helpful.
3. Do choose valuable images. Your images must add value to the course, whether it is a graph or chart explaining the information, or just an example photo that the student can relate to. Be sure the images resonate with your students.
4. Don’t use overly complex visuals. If you have a complex graphic that is crucial to your course, consider placing it on it’s own slide with the description separately. This will allow for a larger image and the students are likely to see more (or all) of the details. When possible, avoid complex graphics and go for a simpler version, while still getting the point across.
5. Do use a variety of visuals. Be sure your course has a variety of graphics and images throughout. These include charts, handouts, photos, or even bullet points or lists. Different medias and visuals help the student organize their information better.
6. Don’t overload your courses with images. Adding too many visual elements can quickly become cluttered and overwhelming for the student. With less visuals, the student can better focus on the content.
7. Do use words and pictures together. Consider placing text and images together, expressing the same message in two different ways. Students can likely learn faster and remember key terms when associated to an image.
8. Don’t add text to busy images. Placing text with an already complicated graphic will only further the complexity. Place the text on a different screen in this case.
9. Do use a consistent image style. Consistency helps students focus on the material rather than worrying about the design changing throughout the course.
10. Don’t copy images from Google. Many images seen via Google are copyrighted and therefore, you will be violating copyright if you use them in your course.

With these 10 visual Do’s and Don’ts, you can create your online course in no time via an eLearning platform. Be sure to utilize your eLearning platform to add visuals throughout the entire course, not just in the presentations.

Are you looking for quality images to use in your online learning courses? These are 10 free stock photo resources and 10 free eLearning graphics tools.

*Source via Shift eLearning