AI image generation tools like DALL-E offers instructional designers and eLearning developers a powerful new avenue for creating engaging and customized visuals. However, to use AI images for instructional design you need to know how to engage with these tools to get the most compelling images out of them. Let’s look at some practical tips, sample prompts, and insights into the iteration process to help you effectively utilize these tools in your instructional materials.
Practical Tips for Using AI Image Tools in Instructional Design:
- Crafting Effective Prompts:
- Be Specific: The more detailed your description, the more accurate the generated image will be. For example, instead of “a tree,” use “a large oak tree with lush green leaves under a clear blue sky.”
- Context Matters: Include the setting or context in your description. If you’re teaching about ecosystems, a prompt like “a coral reef bustling with diverse marine life, showcasing symbiotic relationships” can yield a vivid, educational image.
- Consider Emotions and Themes: To convey moods or themes, use descriptive adjectives. For a lesson on conflict resolution, try “a calm, thoughtful mediator in a room with two individuals appearing reconciled and content.”
- Iterative Design Process:
- Initial Trials: Start with broad concepts and gradually add specifics. For a lesson on the solar system, begin with “planets orbiting the sun” and then add details like “rings around Saturn, Earth’s blue hue.”
- Feedback Loop: Analyze the generated images for accuracy and relevance. If an image of “ancient Rome” lacks historical accuracy, refine the prompt to “ancient Rome with historically accurate architecture and clothing.”
- Final Tweaks: Once close to your ideal image, make minor adjustments for perfection, like changing “sunny day” to “sunset” for different lighting effects.
- Balancing Creativity with Educational Goals:
- Align with Learning Objectives: Always ensure the images support the lesson’s aim. For a lesson on geometry, use prompts like “a triangle with labeled angles and sides” to create instructional visuals.
- Avoid Overcomplication: While creativity is encouraged, overly complex images can distract. Keep the focus on the educational content.
Samples
Attempt 1: a busy city street
Attempt 2: a busy city street in a realistic style
Attempt 3: a busy New York City Street bustling with activity at night in a realistic style
Challenges and Limitations:
AI images are not without challenges and limitations. Sometimes, images might not be historically or scientifically accurate, requiring manual correction or external verification.
Conclusion
Using AI images for instructional design makes anyone an artist. By mastering the art of effective prompting and iterative design, you can create customized, impactful visuals that enhance the learning experience.
For more personalized guidance on integrating AI imagery into your instructional materials, contact Tang Technology for a free consultation. We’re here to help you navigate these exciting technologies and elevate your educational content.
Also if you haven’t seen our AI Christmas Adventure check it out from the link below. It uses AI-generated images and chat bots throughout.
