You spent part of your summer getting certified in the XULA-Flex training program. Hopefully you are starting to feel comfortable using Brightspace. If you are wondering what to do next, you should consider taking your course to the next level by adding images.
Images can be used to serve many different purposes. Images are powerful because they:
- Can help tell a story
- Can explain a technical process
- Can convey course information in an alternate format
- Can break up the monotony of “text-only” pages
- Can increase student engagement
- Students pay more attention to articles/readings with graphic content
- Just make the course look better
Below are examples of a Brightspace course that has a module without images and the same module with images and details. Which one looks better? Which course would you rather interact with?
The images used in example #2 are for decoration, but they do add color and continuity to the course. Also, the descriptions provide students with additional information and links to go to for help. Thus eliminating the need for the student to search around the course for help or to find details about the assignment.
Did you know the HTML Editor has image editing capabilities? You can edit images in place (including flipping, rotating, and adjusting brightness, sharpness, and color), edit the image description, and edit the size of the image.
NOTE: Image editing capabilities are exclusive to creating discussion posts, announcements, and content (excluding module descriptions).
You can insert an image anywhere you use the HTML Editor in Brightspace. With a few clicks of your mouse, your Brightspace course can go from boring text only to visually engaging pages of text and images that convey meaning to students in different ways!
Are you looking for images to use in your courses? Here are a few helpful resources:
Follow these steps to do it.
To insert an image in the HTML Editor:
- In the HTML Editor, place your cursor where you want to insert the image and then click the Insert Image button.
- Follow the prompts.
NOTE: Images that enhance information or contribute to the understanding of text content need alternative text (Alt Text) to be accessible. Images that are purely decorative and add no content value should be identified as decorative.
Want more information?
Understanding the HTML Editor
HTML Editor – Insert Image
HTML Editor – Edit Image Properties
HTML Editor – Adjust Image Description and Sizing
Brightspace Accessibility Tip: Alt Text
Brightspace Accessibility Tip: When "Alt Text" is not Enough
View all the Brightspace training recaps
Brightspace Known Issues
Continuous Delivery release notes
Request a sandbox course
Sign-up for Brightspace training sessions
You can find Brightspace help at D2L's website.
Join the Brightspace Community.
Try these Brightspace How-To documents.
Visit our Brightspace FAQs for additional Brightspace information
or schedule a one-on-one session, email, or
call Janice Florent: (504) 520-7418.
Note: Are you doing something innovative in Brightspace or perhaps you've discovered a handy tip? Share how you are using Brightspace in your teaching and learning in The Orange Room.