From the course: Elearning Tips

How to select images for your elearning course

From the course: Elearning Tips

Start my 1-month free trial

How to select images for your elearning course

“

- You know, the great thing about elearning is that you get to use a bunch of different types of multimedia to communicate your learning content. And one of the easiest and most effective ways to do this is by using images. Now I know how easy it is to quickly find a stock photo and insert it into your course, but the truth is, not all images are the same. When you go with a bad or a cheap stock photo, you risk losing or distracting your audience from what's important: your content. So how do you select images that not only look good but also enhance your learning content? Well, I like to follow a couple of simple rules when selecting stock photos for my elearning courses. Let me explain each rule by showing you a couple of examples. The first rule is to select images that add value. For example, this slide here, which is on the topic of customer service has an image that doesn't really have anything to do with the topic at hand. When selecting any photos or images for your elearning course, you need to ask yourself is it relevant? Does it add value? And, in this case, the answer is simply no. So instead, I might go with something like this. Here we have an image that actually demonstrates what I'm talking about on this slide: great customer service. The second rule is to select images that show diversity. You know, there was a time when it was really hard to find any stock images that showed diversity, and the majority of the images you could choose from looked something like this. And the problem with this is is that many of your employees can't see themselves in these types of photos. Instead, take some time to find images like this that show not only racial diversity but also age and gender diversity. Trust me, it will go a long way to making all of your employees feel represented in the elearning courses you create. The third and final rule is to select images that look realistic. Now I know you've seen those stock photos that look like, well, stock photos. You know what I mean. They look dated, staged, and just plain awkward. Instead, use images that look like real people doing real things in real environments. For example, if you're creating an elearning course on customer service, use images like this that look like actual customer service interactions. Okay, so those are three simple tips you can use for selecting images for your next elearning course. Remember, your goal is not to simply fill empty space. It's to add value to what you're trying to teach.

Contents