How would you instruct someone differently when using both graphics and text in the lesson delivery?

How would you instruct someone differently when using both graphics and text in the lesson delivery?

When developing an instruction set that had both images and text combined, I had to rethink what text and which images I was going to use. I was able to remove some of the text, and I actually removed some images but also created new images for the InDesign project.

Now that the assignment allowed for text and images, the images didn’t need to encompass as much information. Instead the images used for this project were smaller and more specific than when the assignment was to use only images. The images could now focus on the detail of the task, and the text could explain the general information. The images that I created gave more detail about key steps that would need to be completed. Also, text was added to the image to provide even more detail. The combination of text on the image was even more informative and beneficial to teaching the step.

Having both text and images is more efficient and effective in providing clear instructions. When you explain a task in text, you often need a visual to help you grasp what the individual is trying to convey. The same is for images. You need some explanation in addition to just images to convey an idea sometimes.

What are the benefits? It was much easier developing the instruction set when you could use both text and images. When you need to emphasize a key piece of instruction sometimes just using text or images limits your ability to fully explain the step. Some ideas are better expressed in images and others through text. In addition, using both text and images helps the visual learner to comprehend the information.

When I developed the instruction set in just text, it reminded me of sitting in a classroom where the instructor only lectured, and everyone took notes. This was sometimes effective but not always. The use of a presentation along with the lecture could be more effective. However, I have seen presentations that teachers have used that have too many graphics and moving parts and sounds. The use of too many graphics can be distracting. Prezi is a popular presentation program that our teachers use to deliver lessons. It contains many special effects, but when they use too many special effects and movement, it distracts from the overall lesson.   

In conclusion, the teacher must be able to use a well-balanced approach to integrating both text and graphics to deliver instruction in an efficient and effective manner for the learner.