This guest blog entry was written by Articulate Community Manager Jeanette Brooks.
The Engage Labeled Graphic is like the Swiss Army knife of Engage interactions. It’s a super-versatile tool that you can use for just about any e-learning content.
Lots of developers use a Labeled Graphic to add callouts to technical images or screenshots, like in this example. But you can also leverage this flexible interaction in all kinds of other creative ways.
Here are three ideas you might not have tried yet.
Build a clickable chart for learners to explore
Data-heavy charts can cause learners to glaze over in a hurry. Instead of showing a static picture of a chart filled with data, try chunking the information with a Labeled Graphic. Start with a simple, compelling image like the one below. Use the Labeled Graphic’s markers to break up the detail into bite-size pieces that learners can explore. Then watch how much easier it is for your audience to take it all in.
It’s an approach that opens up all kinds of new possibilities for things like org charts, flow charts, bar charts, and other kinds of diagrams.
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Replace a bulleted list
Labeled Graphics are also a great alternative to bullet points. Check out the following example of a pros/cons list. You can build something like this in about five minutes! The image is just something I found in Microsoft’s clip art library. I made a few simple tweaks with PowerPoint 2007′s image-editing tools, then saved it as a PNG. Once I brought the image into Engage and added my markers and text, I was done.
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Set up an e-learning scenario
Another cool use for a Labeled Graphic is at the beginning of an e-learning scenario. You could use an interaction like the one below to help learners get familiar with key characters and the setting. Then, in subsequent slides, take your learners through an exercise where they choose how to handle the situation.
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Need help finding or creating cool images?
The appeal of your Labeled Graphic hinges, of course, on the image you use. Fortunately, there are lots of free or low-cost images out there. This thread in the Community Forums lists some helpful places to look.
Remember, though, that you can always build your own images, even if you don’t have fancy image-editing software! This tutorial shows how.
Share your ideas
What other cool ways have you used Labeled Graphics in your e-learning? Add your thoughts & ideas to this thread in the Community Forums!
Thanks for the very informative posts, Jeanette. Am enjoying them immensely!
Tracey Gould | Posted at 05:07 pm on March 2nd, 2010 | #