Why do we use images in the content for our online courses? The simple answer is because including visuals improves the effectiveness of the courses so students can learn more.
Clark and Mayer have summarized a great deal of research in their book e-Learning and the Science of Instruction. All of the information in this post comes from this resource.
Text and Images are better than Text Alone
Clark and Mayer reviewed 10 studies where student performance was tested comparing text alone with text with images.
All 10 studies showed improvement in student performance when images were used, with a median gain of 89%.
Keep Text Close to the Graphics
Clark and Mayer also found that learning was further enhanced by putting the text and corresponding images together. The median improvement was 68% when the text and images were together.
Think of it this way. Let’s say I need to include information on self-fulfilling prophesies for a course. I can present the steps of the cycle in a numbered list, with a graphic elsewhere on the page.
- You form expectations of your students.
- You communicate your expectations to students through your intentional and unintentional cues.
- Students adjust their behaviors to meet your expectation cues.
- Your expectations of your students are proven true. The cycle starts again.
But what if I move the text closer, so it’s part of the graphic like this?
Simply moving the text into the graphic can improve learning. The second method helps students see the text and images together, making it easier for them to make the connections. (The second graphic is actually used in the course Cultural Competence: A Transformative Journey™ Online, which launches in January.)
Now you know why we’re using images in the online courses to improve the effectiveness. What about in your own teaching experience? Have you used visuals to help improve student learning? Leave us a comment and let us know what has worked for you.
