Well-designed visuals not only enhance comprehension but also maintain student interest and improve knowledge retention. In an online learning environment, where face-to-face interaction is limited, the right visuals can make the difference between an engaging lesson and a disengaged class.

This blog explores key principles, strategies, and tools for creating impactful visual content that enhances remote learning experiences.

1. The Importance of Visuals in Remote Learning

Visual content plays a significant role in online education by helping students process information more efficiently. According to the Dual Coding Theory (Paivio, 1986), people learn better when information is presented through both verbal and visual channels. This means that using images, diagrams, and videos alongside text can enhance understanding and memory retention.

According to the Dual Coding Theory (Paivio, 1986), people learn better when information is presented through both verbal and visual channels.

For example, instead of explaining a complex scientific process purely through text, incorporating a labeled diagram or an animation can make the concept clearer for students. Similarly, using mind maps or flowcharts to illustrate relationships between concepts can help students organize and recall information more effectively. Also, the truth is, that nobdoy wants to just look at you for 45 minutes in a video. And most likely, you don’t want to be featured in a video for that long anyways.

2. Key Principles for Effective Visuals

To create impactful visual content, educators should focus on clarity, consistency, engagement, and accessibility.

Clarity and Simplicity

Overloading slides or images with too much text or unnecessary decorative elements can lead to cognitive overload, making it harder for students to absorb key concepts. Instead, aim for a minimalist approach:

• Use concise text and bullet points rather than dense paragraphs.
• Choose readable fonts and high-contrast color combinations to enhance legibility.
• Highlight key takeaways using bold text or color emphasis.
• Utilize whitespace effectively to avoid clutter and improve readability.

For instance, instead of a crowded slide filled with text, a well-structured slide might include a single compelling question, a relevant image, and three key points. This design approach ensures that students focus on the core message without distractions.

Overloading slides or images with too much text or unnecessary decorative elements can lead to cognitive overload, making it harder for students to absorb key concepts

Consistency and Structure

A coherent visual style makes learning smoother and more intuitive for students. Consider the following:

• Maintain a uniform color scheme, font style, and layout across materials.
• Use consistent icons and symbols to represent recurring concepts.
• Structure presentations with clear headings, subheadings, and bullet points.

A structured approach, such as following a predictable slide layout or using templates, ensures that students can focus on the subject matter without being distracted by inconsistent formatting.

You can download free templates if you want to keep as consistent visua identity from a pricepoint starting at around USD 5.99. You can also consider making your  own custom visual identity to use across your classes. I mean, how cool would that look?

You can also consider making your  own custom visual identity to use across your classes. I mean, how cool would that look?

Engagement through Interactive Elements

Static images and plain text can sometimes fail to capture students’ attention, whereas dynamic visuals like animations, interactive infographics, and short videos can make lessons more immersive. Consider integrating:

• Animations to illustrate processes (e.g., using Powtoon or Vyond).
• Interactive infographics that allow students to explore content at their own pace (e.g., using Genially or Canva).
• Live polling and quizzes (e.g., using Kahoot! or Nearpod) to keep students engaged.

For example, when teaching historical events, an interactive timeline that allows students to click on dates and see relevant events unfold through short videos and images will be more engaging than a simple list of facts.

3. Choosing the Right Tools for Visual Content Creation

Peers play a significant role in a grieving student’s experience. Encouraging kindness and understanding within the classroom can make a substantial difference. Teachers can create activities where students write supportive messages or engage in acts of kindness for classmates. However, it is also essential to guide peers in understanding that grief is a personal journey—some students may prefer solitude while others may seek social connection.

There are numerous tools available for creating compelling visual content tailored to remote learning:

• Canva – Designing infographics, posters, and visually appealing slides.
• Powtoon/Vyond – Creating animated explainer videos.
• Google Slides & Microsoft PowerPoint – Multimedia-integrated presentations.
• Miro & Jamboard – Collaborative mind maps and brainstorming tools.
• Genially – Interactive infographics and gamified learning elements.

Selecting the right tool depends on the content format and level of interactivity you wish to include in your lessons.

4. Accessibility Considerations

When designing visuals, inclusivity should be a priority. Ensure that all students, including those with disabilities, can access and understand the content by following these guidelines:

• Use alt text for images to support visually impaired students.
• Ensure color contrast meets accessibility standards (e.g., avoid red-green combinations for colorblind users).
• Provide transcripts or captions for video content to assist students with hearing impairments.
• Allow for adjustable text sizes and font selections to accommodate various reading needs.

For example, using a tool like Microsoft Immersive Reader allows students to adjust font size, text spacing, and even read text aloud, making content more accessible to diverse learners.

5. The Impact of Visual Content on Remote Teaching

Grief is a challenging and deeply personal experience, yet the classroom can serve as a place of stability and support for students navigating loss. As educators, our role extends beyond academics—we are mentors, caregivers, and advocates for our students’ well-being. By acknowledging grief, providing emotional outlets, maintaining supportive structures, and seeking additional help when necessary, we can create a compassionate learning environment that helps students heal while continuing their educational journey.

References

• Paivio, A. (1986). Mental Representations: A Dual Coding Approach. Oxford University Press.
• Mayer, R. (2009). Multimedia Learning (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
• Clark, R. C., & Mayer, R. E. (2016). E-learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning. Wiley.