I think we all agree that e-Learning courses benefit from graphics, even if you dry presentation. No one wants to read large amounts of text on the screen. Using graphics to break up text gives the eye something to rest before continuing to read. Below are some tips for using graphics in e-Learning development, so without further Adieu, let's get started.
1. Graphic Size
Of course, you may want to make your courses more attractive by adding graphics, but do not overdo it t! Depending on your audience, you can login to a slow connection or more equipment. You ll want your item as soon as possible of their courses, and enhance hi-resolution graphics will only slow things down.
- Make sure you optimize all the graphics that load quickly.
- Use Photoshop (TM) or Fireworks (TM) to reduce the size of your image.
- Make sure that you use the correct format for your image.
- Try not to crowd the page with some pictures.
- Avoid high contrast images with their environment.
If you are using a continuous-tone images, be sure to save the file as a JPEG (Joint Photography Experts Group). JPEG compression can reduce the image size weight. The downside is that JPEGs compression schemes are built into the SVG format (what makes the file smaller) is lossy, which means that more compression you apply, your picture quality more sacrifices. There sa fine balance between quality and file size, making the image file as small as possible, while still looking crisp.
Each flat graphics, charts, and graphs with solid colors should be saved as GIF (Graphic Interchange Format) files. Algorithm in GIF format, SVG is a common color for events, and groups with the color palette. Palettes can be high or below 256. GIF compression is lossless, so GIF conversion did not introduce artifacts and distortions, such as JPEG schemes.
GIF two additional tricks up their sleeves, they can become transparent and can be animated. ADAPTER transparency in GIF file format only 1-bit transparency, which means that only 1 color palette can open a whole. Size, the color white, but you can make a color transparent color. 89a of the GIF format allows multiple frames in a single file for animation. You can get really creative with GIF animations now, with new animation panel in Photoshop CS3. However, that does not so you have to turtle logo and flashing graphics everywhere. But the animated series of steps can be very useful, when used together with an explanation Original.
Although the page could benefit from some graphics, adding too many images of different sizes, quality, and colors can cause real problems for the reader. The size and complexity of the graphics are also important, when considering the number of photos per page. An advanced wiring diagram, with all of Legends and the description, maybe rent for the reader's eyes all the time, where the ocean will have a different effect.
Also, you may have or structure and skin color and appearance alone. Select the image that many compared to the colors and shapes may not be a good idea. You might think that the image stand out, will attract more attention. That may be true, but it can be kind of attention that you really want. If possible, homogenize your color scheme at all graphic. Maybe there is a difference between the received color screen areas, such as highlighting, arrows, gradients and other effects that can help draw attention to certain areas of product image or screen shot.
2. Visual Hierarchy
Visual hierarchy that shows the importance of the page. You can achieve visibility and maximum results by using a simple and effective visual hierarchy. Each item on the Visual page important, but you can control the basic importance of natural things. For example, the paper has a clear hierarchy: its headlines draw readers' attention because the headline text is larger than other text on the page. Subtitle fraction falls under the heading, to help the reader scan pieces of information that might be of interest to them. Then, even a small body of the text follows. But although the format of this clear hierarchy, only one-quarter page full size image will dominate the entire page, and draw the reader away from the natural eye. Hierarchy of similar design seen also in other publications, and this is just one example.
Systematic way to order the importance of the hierarchy will guide students through courses, and help them achieve their goals more quickly.
3. Text Breaks
As mentioned earlier, faced with a large amount of dense text on the screen is not a normal situation. In writing, DESIGNERS trying to help readers use the pillars to break the text, paragraph, first line indents, tabs, and the other meetings. New high is one important tool. Usually, better eye reading 41-50 characters per line. But it also depends on the characteristics of the eyes and the font used on the size. It has been proved that the sans-serif fonts, like Verdana and Arial, easier to read on screen than serif font, like Times New Roman and Georgia.
As we said before, graphics (either embedded in the original or a lack of parallel), you may decide to Visual eye as the story moves through. Without doubt, the size and placement is important, you want to use graphics, but also to restore continuity. Diagrams and figures related to this story is very valuable.
Appearances can also increase the pressure. For example, courses that provide the perfect stage to complete the work program will benefit from a screenshot of that support each step. Nothing is more frustrating than a text-only instructions for Visual work. If something requires a lot of hand-eye coordination, so of course including screenshots, diagrams, simulations, or even a video of the steps completed. And using screenshots from the latest version of the program required.
4. Match Imagery
Some educators take advantage of stock photography library and find pictures of them graphically. More often than not, this picture has little to do with course content. True, they increase the visual break in the story, but often fail in supporting the course content. A common example that we ve seen all the business courses that use stock photos of executives and secretaries sitting at the table and talk about music, but that does not really do anything related to the material.
The challenge here is to build cost-effective courses. A typical photo shoot, with all systems and studio costs, can be very pricy. But there are some great traditional stock photography agencies that sell royalty-free photos for the price. This point is also a major source of a particular image content. Stock Xchange, iStockphoto, Creatas, Veer, and other organizations throughout the various categories of images related to certain business areas. Many times, you can order the photos online, download comps, and use the lightbox and choose to look at a chart online. Of course, be careful to follow appropriate copyright guidelines when to get a picture online!
Other public domain is that the photographs are available. Often times, they have exceeded their now freely available. You should especially consider public-domain pictures if you're building a history course.
5. Data for the study
The figures and diagrams to support the text that you can really help students achieve your study goals. Edward Tufte has written several outstanding books about the effectiveness of classical figures, diagrams, charts, and graphs. No single Tufte last ndedly design information, as mentioned, and published Visual Explanations. The figures and diagrams to help create a Craft course itself. Basically, the more effectively support your graphics can quickly convey important information detailing their text equivalents can't. It is important that such graphics be attractive, easy to understand, and simply be labeled.
These pictures will help students to achieve special equipment. Semiconductor plain text images with support may be sufficient for some students, but this example, labels and arrows are referenced in the original, they can be more efficient for others. Always picture presentation for the purpose so that appropriate learning at all levels.
Special feature of this graphic should always effective. Line weight, color, Legends, and all other features have to deal directly with, and support, of course material. If there are several images in the course, consistency in design is important. Too often, colors and styles will shift from graphic to graphic, and now is seen constantly changing and feel. Learners can interpret this as easy as moving in a serpentine style of the topic or purpose. Consistency of style and color can support broad themes, to help students know when they are on topic, and when they moved their eyes to the next subject.
When labeling graphics, it is important to use color and different colors on the back of the field of literature. Think Placement literature and import correctly. Legend for color associations useful for graphs and graphs, and the same applies to the figures and diagrams.
6. Charts and Graphs
Graphs and charts are useful for displaying data or historical information. Many people can make graphs and graphs in Microsoft Excel or PowerPoint, but this graph is always quick to benefit from additional work. For example, pie charts yakueleza target sales quotas can be represented by a piece of cake is enlarged, extruded, or in some other way more popular than other works. Brother quick to point out the importance of data, is parallel to the visual status hierarchy that we have mentioned.
Once again, style and consistency throughout the course is important. You can be a series of column charts that express a certain sales quota from city to city throughout the country. Each chart may use the gray bar for all nations is now being negotiated with the blue bar to the situation that has been discussed.
Broad and long, (and now in 3-D) depth of the bar can be greatly exaggerated, to bring attention to certain parts of the table. Akiongeza dimension, shading, shadow and leave the charts, although interesting, should be done only after the main chart is that they provide information efficiently.
Make sure the label is enough to chart, and ensure that the literature don t Abstract information or other information. Legenda is important to read the guidelines chart, and both must be close to the chart and clearly labeled.
Another way to improve the chart using pictures that are directly related to their topic. For example, a bar graph on the amount that I can use lhouettes people (rather than rectangular) for the bar. A bar chart about oil price barrel of oil can be used instead of rectangular. Each table should be checked first for accuracy and clarity of presentation, and then examined by the presentation of alternative methods to get the job.
7. Color Choices
We ve already mentioned color several times, but can be sensitive because it is so subjective. You can be a vehicle on the street where every house has a shadow except Standout bright purple with lime green shutters! It can make your skin crawl, but by someone who had built the house, is s beautiful.
Color is a science itself. The essence of the theory of color is the color wheel, which is basically Displays and manage all of the rainbow. Primary colors red, yellow, and blue. From this, we can create secondary colors, like orange, green, and purple. Primary color is a mixture of secondary and primary colors, and complete color wheel. Color wheel also shows different color images, from inside and outside, to light and dark values.
Some colors can evoke emotions or convey Woods. Active yellow, orange, red, and purple. This is the best for the light part of the course and draw attention to the details. Notice the stop sign logo. Red is captured and contrast well with any background. So sa natural choice for the icon that commands students (at least in the U.S.) to STOP. Passive green, blue, purple and light. This is often used in hospitals and detention centers, as soothing. You can use color as a passive background colors and graphics to help in the course. If your course will be delivered internationally, also understand that other students' cultures may influence color choices. For example, because I gnage our traffic, American students easily and take the red as an indicator to stop. But in some countries, red indicates danger, and sometimes even death. So unless you really want to convey a sense of danger (as in DON T EVEN THINK ABOUT THIS WITH Pushing Button machine for any reason, FOUR!), You may want to avoid red graphics in courses on international audiences.
Q We can discuss color without talking about contrast - the relationship between colors in a given scenario. Black text on white background is easy to read because the colors contrast well with each other. But yellow text on a white background or blue text on a black background is difficult to see; there ISN t statistics and the difference between a sufficient basis to make the text readable. However, always use common sense and good taste: green text on an orange background may contrast too, but this combo hard to read, and looks painful. Consideration should also apply to the graph.
The game is a powerful tool when used correctly. Can convey meaning, improve mood, be playful or serious, and carry the most weight to the content at hand.
8. Navigation Aids
In your studies, you will use on-screen controls so that users can navigate through the material. These controls can be either textual (like hyperlinks) or graphical (like buttons). If using such navigation graphics, be sure that they are clearly labeled and easy to use. If possible, you ll want to use a combination of all text and graphic elements to ensure ease of use. Graphic key is known to follow the human interface guidelines, which means that they must live as bonds. He had to change their appearance when she rolled over and clicking the mouse. This provides visual (and often heard) confirmation that the action has resulted.
- Be sure to follow these simple tips to make the navigation controls:
- Buttons should be clearly labeled.
- Contrast is important.
- Complimentary use or the color of active buttons show Function.
- Place and use navigation controls consistently throughout the course.
Another important tool you can use in a course or field indicator Breadcrumbs. For example, government bonds into the navigation system should change the look of each part is achieved. And Previous and Next goal should always be seen near the page indicator. Every course navigation system must be easy to use, and allow students to always see where he came from in this series, where they are now and where they can go.
And be sure to really test your course and lesson navigation, make sure that it is clear that one can use it. Using some testers, and note and address of each set-up or a trap that they can get.
9. Functional Communication
When choosing graphic vehicles for presenting a series of steps, the graph style you choose (animation, static images, video) ISN t as important as the stage of presenting an accurate picture. Research has shown that the sequence of steps as a hand line drawings, animation, and video as well assimilated and all learners. True effectiveness of these two graphics depending on the label and use appropriate graphical features that show progress or movement.
Un-illustrated text or graphics or unlabeled carry much weight, and not effective. Graphic even using simple equipment such as detailed text, Sequential literature, highlights, and the direction of the arrow, will help users to follow step by step tutorial. Adobe captivate and other simulation programs kukuruhusu add these articles to record a presentation - either automatically, or manually. Either way, add a description to communicate function will go a long way towards presenting a series of successful employment.
10. Student Gestalt
There is more involved in the whole process of training and learning from one might think. This important strategic elements together using thematic courses, in a consistent and appropriate gestalt. Gestalt is a German term, often used in the graphic design phase, which means a total sense or purpose of the user experience.
Here is an example of how a bad graphic gestalt can cause problems. A British design agency was asked to sign for the development of coal mines in Africa. From the mines of non-English speaking workers, used images DESIGNERS train carrying coal. But when the signs posted, the workers began to unload the carts, instead of loading them. The problem is that the gestalt DESIGNERS hold the left-to-right reading strategy, in which the workers read right-to-left.
In the same way, making the concept of your student experience, especially without testing course goals, objectives, and the results can lead to disaster. Make sure that you have a full understanding of your target audience. Take samples and test the students on their courses. You can find specific details that need to be ironed out. But more importantly, you have to collect information on student learning throughout the experience. If the true objective, but the tears boring students, should be back to do more interesting work. And as the only course not so fulfill your goals, you should use the research to gather information about the course materials. Maybe there are too many distractions or unclearly labeled graphics. Return all the important issues the eye area.
Of course, not everyone will come of course and the ability to learn, and students will have different talents. Then you ll want to collect information from as wide a group as possible, to measure the effectiveness of your study program for all students. Tube gestalt is like a return of the painting, in his view before continuing the overall composition.
