Embedded Files
Using images and multi media (slideshows, videos, etc.) have several benefits: (1) they add visual interest to your pages, (2) they help to clarify your points, and (3) they help to support your claims with visual evidence. However, not all visuals work for every writing context. Use this checklist and tips to help you determine if and how to support your writing with visuals.
Does the visual...
Support the point you want to make? Does it add something, clarify a point, or provide evidence? For example, if your reflection describes a service activity, a photo of the project on which you worked would clarify the type of work you completed.
Work for the audience-context your ePortfolio is targeting? Is the visual the right/best one for topic? Choose images that represent the professionalism you want to communicate, ones that are appropriate for the particular message your page represents.
Communicate the point consistently to all members of your target audience? Can your visual be misunderstood by or offend any member of your audience? If in doubt, seek a second opinion from representative members of your target audience.
Include appropriate attribution? If you own the photos/images you may include attribution ("Courtesy of ...."); however, if you have borrowed or purchased a graphic from a third-party source, you should cite the source, using the same attribution guidelines for citing other sources (quotes, summaries, and paraphrases) or following the attribution guidelines set by the site from which you purchased the image.
Image source: ©iStock.com/SergeyNivens
Choose the best visual for the audience, context, and purpose of your message.
Tips:
Place images strategically on their pages, so that their placement accurately communicates their importance and doesn't overwhelm the page.
Balance text and images, avoiding large areas of awkward white space. Using columns or wrapping the text around the images will help to avoid unnecessary white space.
Add captions that reinforce the key points you want your graphics to make. For example a photo of your service project could include this caption: "Big Event 2021Service Project--Local Home Yard CleanUp." Don't assume that the reader will interpret the graphic in the way you expect. The caption clarifies the point for the reader.
Use images that complement the design (colors and styles) of the theme your published product uses. For example, if your theme uses muted blues, grey, and greens, a bright red image could detract from your message (i.e., the graphic calls too much attention to itself) or it may not look aesthetically pleasing because the colors are not complementary. If in doubt, ask for a second opinion.
Check the appropriate "share" settings on videos and slideshows embedded in third-party sites. For example, if your slideshow is in Google Drive (or your video in YouTube), your ePortfolio reader will not be able to see the media if you have not made it public. One way to ensure your reader can see what you have posted is to log out of your site and then view your page, checking that all of your media appears as it should.
Use SmartArt to simplify a complex message. Microsoft Office SmartArt (in Word or PowerPoint) offers a variety of image tools that you can use to help your reader visualize, and thus better understand, a complex message.
Visit these pages for more detailed explanations regarding privacy, branding and virtual responsibilities and for "sticky" cases.
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