Types of images

Visual assets are integral to enhancing both comprehension and engagement in online courses. Different types of images—literal, figurative, metaphorical, and instructional—serve unique purposes in this context, each contributing to the learning experience in distinct ways.

Literal Images

Literal images depict exactly what they represent, providing an exact representation of reality. Examples include:

Photographs of Historical Events: In a history course, photographs provide a direct visual reference to past events, helping students to better understand and remember the historical context.

Ngāti Toa's protest of the fast-track consenting legislation on the steps of Parliament. Photo / Adam Pearse [source: NZ Herald]

• Detailed Anatomical Drawings: In a biology class, precise drawings of anatomical structures aid in the accurate understanding of the human body and its functions.

Literal images help clarify facts and provide concrete examples of the concepts being taught. They are invaluable for the accurate representation of material, ensuring that students have a clear and direct visual reference for the content they are learning.

Figurative Images

Figurative images offer an artistic representation that captures the essence of a subject with some level of abstraction. They may not depict reality exactly but aim to convey the feel or spirit of the subject matter. Examples include:

• Impressionistic Paintings: In an art course, impressionistic paintings might be used to illustrate different artistic techniques or movements, conveying the overall atmosphere and emotion of the scene rather than precise details.

• Abstract Diagrams: In subjects like mathematics or physics, abstract diagrams can represent complex concepts in a simplified, visual form.

• Stylised Illustrated Scenarios: A stylised illustrated image of a scenario, like a cartoon depicting a busy marketplace, can be used to convey the essence and dynamics of the scene, often employed in storytelling or scenario-based learning.

Figurative images help students grasp the broader context and emotional undertones of a subject, enhancing their understanding through artistic expression.

Metaphorical Images

Metaphorical images represent ideas or concepts symbolically, conveying deeper meanings or abstract concepts through familiar visuals. Examples include:

• A Bridge to Discuss Connection: In a sociology course, a picture of a bridge can symbolise the concept of connection, illustrating how individuals or groups can be linked together.

• An Iceberg to Represent Psychology: In psychology, an iceberg image can symbolise the visible and hidden aspects of the human mind, helping students understand the concept of the conscious and unconscious mind.

These images encourage deeper thinking and help students grasp more abstract concepts by linking them to familiar visual metaphors. By doing so, metaphorical images can make complex or intangible ideas more accessible and relatable.

Instructional Images

Instructional images are clear and straightforward representations designed specifically to educate or guide. Examples include:

• Step-by-Step Diagrams: In a cooking class, step-by-step diagrams can illustrate the process of preparing a dish, making it easy for students to follow along.

• Infographics: In a business course, infographics can summarise key information or data, presenting it in a visually engaging and easily digestible format.

Instructional images are particularly effective in breaking down complex processes or information into manageable, understandable parts, facilitating learning and retention.

Examples

Both images are well-suited to the topic of "time management." The literal image of a busy city street during rush hour visually conveys the hectic pace of daily life, reflecting the constant motion and limited time in urban settings. The metaphorical image, with a clock and everyday objects swirling around it, artistically represents the challenge of managing time amidst a flurry of daily activities and responsibilities. Together, these images encapsulate the challenges and complexities of effectively managing time in a fast-paced world.

By using a range of image types judiciously within your course materials, you can cater to a broad range of learning preferences. Literal images can anchor learning with clarity and precision, while metaphorical images can spark imagination and deeper conceptual understanding. Together, they create a richer, more engaging online learning environment.

Here are two photographic images suitable for the topic of "environmental sustainability and renewal":

1. Literal Image: This image captures a person's hands planting a young tree in soil. It shows the hands, the tree, and the earth in close detail, representing direct action toward environmental conservation. 

2. Metaphorical Image: This photograph shows a dry, cracked desert landscape with a single green sprout emerging from the cracks. It symbolises hope and renewal in a harsh environment, reflecting the potential for regeneration and resilience.

Both images are photographic and relate to the broader theme of environmental care, showcasing both direct action and the metaphorical hope for recovery and sustainability.

Additionally, the images could be a metaphor for:

1. Mindfulness and Growth – The contrast of the thriving plant in a desolate environment can serve as a metaphor for mindfulness amidst chaos. It symbolises finding a centre of calm and growth within oneself, regardless of external conditions.

2. Minority Voices in Society – The single green shoot amidst a desolate landscape could be a metaphor for the power and importance of minority voices in a largely uniform society. It emphasises how even a single, seemingly small voice can bring change and vitality to a broader, stagnant environment.