“Why it is so important to be consistent with images and words in online learning.”
Infographic: How to keep your e-learning understandable
It is obvious: the online content in your courses or training must be understandable for your learners.
To immediately add a cliché, that is easier said than done. In collaboration with Flipped, we made an infographic to help keep the red thread of your content clear.
A crucial starting point in keeping the content parts of your e-learning understandable is consistency with images and words. The infographic is developed by learning designer Hans Vaessen and gives you practical tools that you can use today when developing your online learning environment.
Consistency increases learning efficiency
The link between the consistent use of images and words and learning efficiency is attention.
In other words: if you can better retain the attention (and focus) of your reader, you will increase the learning effect.
If you are not consistent, your reader will be distracted by changes or, well, inconsistencies. The attention then shifts from the content or its meaning to thinking about how that content is presented. That’s not the message you want to bring across.
Tips for text and words
Writing text is a challenge in itself. Being a writer is a profession (or as some say, even a craft), and there are a few common mistakes that are made (which are easy to fix too).
Choose recognisable terms for important concepts and use them consistently. Like 'consistent(ly)' is used here consistently.
It might be that you should be able to help prevent fuzzy language by trying to avoid modal verbs. Or to word it better: prevent fuzzy language by avoiding modal verbs. See?
Alternatively, write to the point and make it personal. Talking and writing are not the same but don't make them too different either.
Tips for images and visuals
How about adding a pretty picture? You can reinforce your text with the help of images or, in jargon, visuals.
Think, for example, of icons; simplified and therefore clarifying images. Here too, consistent design is essential for clarity.
Just as important as the image itself is the empty space around it. Provide margins and blank space to make it easier on the eye for the reader. Consistent spacing significantly enhances this effect.
Images are nice, but they can be distracting if it is not clear how they relate to your subject. Poor quality (resolution) can distract; you must also ensure you have a consistent style or similar type of images.
About Flipped
This infographic was made in collaboration with Flipped - Professionals in Learning. They make sure employees enjoy learning so organisations can achieve their ambitions. As a service partner of aNewSpring, they can help you to future-proof your learning solution — sometimes by Flipping the script.
Jos Berden
A thinker, questioner and listener. The perfect combination of a pragmatic and idealist.
On the wish-list to learn: soccer tactics, flying a helicopter, reading other people’s minds.
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