This page is related to Graphics & Images

At a Glance

• Visuals can greatly enhance a student’s understanding of a complex topic
• Types of Graphics include: graphs, charts, infographics, Interactive ThingLinks, Generative AI images
• Northwestern provides their faculty free access to powerful design tools from the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
• Links to resources on the basics of visual communication and graphic design

Visuals Enhance Students’ Learning Experience

Visuals can greatly benefit the online learning environment by increasing student comprehension of a complex topic, promoting active learning through demonstrations, and retaining visual information for longer periods of time compared to plain text. Faculty are empowered to identify educational challenges that their students frequently face while teaching the course and re-examine the modality of a complex topic that is being taught.

Types of Graphics

Graphs and Charts

Graphs and charts are visual representations of data that make it easier to understand and interpret information. They come in various forms, each with its own strengths: line graphs show trends over time, bar charts compare distinct categories, pie charts illustrate proportions of a whole, and scatter plots reveal correlations between variables. By presenting data visually, graphs and charts can quickly highlight patterns, outliers, and key insights that might be missed in raw data tables. They are powerful tools for communication, often used in presentations, reports, and dashboards to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.

Infographics

Infographics are engaging visual representations of information that combine compelling graphics, concise text, and data visualizations like charts and graphs to present complex ideas in a clear and accessible way. They go beyond simple data presentation by weaving a narrative or story, using elements like icons, illustrations, and stylized fonts to capture attention and enhance understanding. Infographics are highly versatile and can be used for a wide range of purposes, from explaining complex concepts and processes to raising awareness about social issues or promoting products and services. Their ability to simplify information and engage viewers makes them a powerful tool for communication across various platforms, including social media, presentations, and educational materials.

Interactive ThingLink

ThingLink is an interactive media platform that allows users to enhance images, videos, 360° media, and even 3D models with clickable hotspots. These hotspots can contain a variety of media, such as text, images, videos, audio, and links to external websites, creating a rich and engaging multimedia experience. Think of it like adding interactive elements to a regular picture. Imagine a historical photo where you can click on different people to learn their stories or a virtual tour of a museum where clicking on artifacts reveals detailed information. ThingLink is used in various sectors, including education, marketing, and art, to create immersive experiences, enhance storytelling, and provide deeper context to visual content.

Checkout the article Five Examples of Interactive Content for examples of ThingLink.

Generative AI Images

Generative AI images are digital artworks created by artificial intelligence algorithms. These algorithms learn patterns and features from massive datasets of existing images and then use this knowledge to generate new, unique visuals based on text prompts or other input parameters. The results can range from photorealistic images to abstract art, and can even mimic various artistic styles. This technology is rapidly evolving, pushing the boundaries of creative expression and offering new possibilities for artists, designers, and anyone seeking to visualize their ideas.

Conclusion

The integration of various visual tools such as graphs, charts, infographics, interactive ThingLinks, and generative AI images significantly enhances the learning experience for students. By leveraging these powerful design tools, faculty can effectively address educational challenges and improve comprehension of complex topics. Visuals not only promote active learning and long-term retention but also make information more accessible and engaging.