Introduction

Images are an avenue by which we can see and understand more of the world around us. But what happens when the images that are most readily available to us tend to only display one small piece of our world?

I wish that we could reasonably expect diversity in our image searches – and many are getting better – but for now, our best tool is intentionality in choosing where we source our photos and who our photos image.

Purpose

Actively and intentionally choosing diverse and inclusive media is important for many reasons, not least of which is that it allows us to move towards Inclusive Design, “design that considers the full range of human diversity with respect to ability, language, culture, gender, age and other forms of human difference.”^[1]

A Quality Matters White Paper also speaks to the importance of inclusive design. In sharing about the Morrison, Ross, and Kemp Instructional Design Model, they list one of the core elements of instructional design to be: “Select[ing] relevant, engaging, and representative resources to support the learning experience.”^[2]

These resources – and many more – share the importance of allowing all learners to feel that they are seen and have been considered in the design of the materials that they are studying. Seeing themselves in the course material can support students in feeling included, and can validate them in their aspirations.

Types of Diversity

Kelly Schuster (2023)^[3] lists 7 types of diversity that we can consider in our course media that can support learners to see themselves in the content that we share:

1. Age Diversity
2. Race and Ethnicity
3. Body Types
4. Gender and Sexual Identity
5. Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities
6. Facial Differences
7. People Using Adaptive Equipment and/or Medical Devices

To conclude, here is Kelly’s own conclusion – I don’t think I could say it any better:

“Diverse imagery will create an increased sense of belonging and enhance learning effectiveness for your organization. Focus on one or two elements that you can organically incorporate into your design today. Remember: progress not perfection. With time, practice, and patience, the inclusion of image diversity will become a fundamental part of your routine.”³

Resources

For more information on Inclusive Design and/or the importance of selecting diverse and inclusive images, please visit the links in the references below, or additionally visit the “Inclusive Design” page of the Extending Into the Open Pressbook by Paula Demacio, Alissa Bigelow, Tricia Bonner, and Shauna Roch.