Label the Image: More Than Dragging Words Onto a Picture

I've always liked image labeling as a learning activity, especially when learners need to identify something on an actual image, whether that's anatomy, equipment, a software screen, or a diagram.

But there's a reason to use it beyond making a course more interactive.

What's happening cognitively?

There's a difference between looking at a diagram with everything already labeled and having to figure out where those labels belong.

Learners have to examine visual details, recognize differences, and connect what they know to what they're seeing.

That's visual discrimination and spatial identification at work. And when learners have already studied the material, the activity can also reinforce retrieval and recognition.

When does image labeling make sense?

A few examples:

• Anatomy: Identify structures and their locations within a larger system
• Equipment training: Recognize components before learning how to operate or maintain them
• Software training: Locate important controls and interface elements
• Safety training: Identify hazards, safety equipment, or critical features in a workplace image

Of course, image labeling isn't going to teach someone how to diagnose a mechanical failure or explain how the heart functions. But when the objective is to recognize, distinguish, or locate something accurately, it's a useful approach.

Making it easier to build

I recently created a little generator to take the tedious part out of building these interactions.

Upload an image, position your labels, customize the design, and export the finished activity into a Rise 360 Code Block or Storyline 360 web object.

I used this human heart diagram to test it, and thought I'd share both the finished interaction and the builder for anyone who might find them useful.

Try the interaction: Label the Image Example

Build one out yourself: Label the Image