Instructional Graphics for the Web

Graphics for use on the web can be both fun and challenging--they can impart much more information than only text. But graphics on the web comes with a price in terms of download times and the amount of space required on the server to house them. Whatever you do in developing or selecting your graphics be sure they serve a purpose by enhancing the instruction. Poorly developed and placed graphics may be a hindrance to your instructional message.

The following considerations should be followed when developing your graphics:

1. The graphics must be relevant to the instruction and must support the text on the screen. If using people in your graphics, make sure they reflect diversity.
   
   
2. Choose or develop graphics which are motivating and capture the attention of your students. This can be difficult - you want to make sure the graphics do not detract from your message.
   
   
3. Do not “plaster” your page with graphics. (this deals more with the technical aspects and download times, but is worth mentioning here).
   
   
4. Provide captions with your graphics if the message is not implicit.

Although the above factors appear to be much to consider in the design of your site, they are really just common sense. Think about what type of visual designs draw you to a particular site on a repeat basis. Although the visual designs of graphics on your web-site must be pleasing and functional, you must also address the technical aspects. Next month we will begin to look in depth at the graphical formats for the web.