Turning Images Into Learning Insights
L&D professionals perform the meaningful work of ensuring members of an organization have the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. Their efforts mirror those of professional learning specialists in K-12 schools and faculty development centers in higher education. The work can be deeply rewarding when learning initiatives lead to meaningful improvements for employees, teams, and organizations.
Across educational and workplace contexts, Instructional Designers must continuously develop their craft while working under the time pressures of design. As technology evolves, L&D professionals are expected to adapt quickly, integrating new tools and approaches into their workflows. Innovations in Artificial Intelligence present both a challenge and an opportunity: learning new systems while leveraging tools that can improve efficiency and expand creative possibilities. L&D professionals are increasingly exploring ways AI can support the Instructional Design process while keeping human expertise at the center.
Large Language Models (LLMs) are not only text tools. Increasingly, they can interpret visual inputs such as photographs, diagrams, and screenshots, materials that Instructional Designers already produce throughout the design process. These emerging image capabilities provide an opportunity to rethink design workflows and use visual artifacts to accelerate instructional thinking. Below are eight practical ways L&D professionals can begin using images with LLMs today.
8 Ways To Use Images With LLMs
1. Whiteboards And Flipcharts
Whiteboards and flipcharts often capture brainstorming during workshops, Subject Matter Expert (SME) meetings, and design sprints. Photos of these notes can be uploaded into an LLM to help interpret ideas generated during collaborative sessions.
LLMs can help identify themes, extract action items, and suggest potential learning objectives based on the notes, helping teams move from brainstorming to structured design decisions more efficiently.
- Example prompt
Analyze this whiteboard image from a design meeting. Identify key themes, possible learning objectives, and action items that could inform an instructional module.
2. Notebook And Journal Pages
Design ideas often begin as handwritten notes or rough sketches. Photographs of notebook pages can help convert early thinking into structured design steps.
LLMs can assist in organizing notes into learning objectives, generating assessment ideas, or outlining module structures. As with any conceptual work supported by AI, designers should verify outputs against trusted sources. In addition, asking AI critical questions about reasoning, sources, and assumptions is an important skill for responsible use [1].
- Example prompt
Analyze these handwritten notes and organize them into potential learning objectives, key concepts, and an outline for a short training module.
3. Draft Storyboards Or Lesson Plans
Early design work often involves sketching storyboards, module flows, or sticky-note planning boards. Photographing these drafts allows designers to engage LLMs in refining early concepts.
LLMs can help identify gaps, suggest learning interactions, and propose assessment ideas, helping designers iterate more quickly.
- Example prompt
Review this storyboard sketch and suggest additional learner interactions, assessments, or content elements that could strengthen the learning experience.
4. Existing Courses Or Learning Interfaces
Instructional Designers frequently review existing learning materials when planning new modules. Screenshots of course pages or training interfaces can be uploaded into an LLM to analyze design patterns.
LLMs can help identify strengths and weaknesses in areas such as cognitive load, accessibility, navigation, and interaction design, supporting improvements in future course iterations. Evaluating existing course materials can also help designers think beyond traditional question formats toward more interactive learning experiences.
- Example prompt
Evaluate this screenshot of a course module and identify possible improvements related to clarity, cognitive load, accessibility, and learner engagement.
5. Real-World Objects And Processes
Photographs of concrete elements can help transform real-world observations into instructional content. L&D professionals frequently work with concepts that are rooted in physical processes, tools, or environments. Images of equipment, workplace procedures, safety signage, or operational tasks can help designers identify the key concepts and procedures that should be emphasized in digital learning materials.
When these images are uploaded into an LLM, the model can help identify instructional themes, relevant terminology, or possible learning objectives connected to what appears in the image. This process can help designers translate real-world observations into structured instructional units that support clear understanding of the topic.
- Example prompt
Examine this image and identify the key concepts, procedures, or terminology that could be taught from this example. Suggest possible learning objectives related to what is shown.
6. Physical Teaching Materials
Many subjects are traditionally taught using physical models, posters, or demonstrations. Photographs of these materials can help designers translate hands-on learning experiences into digital formats.
For example, images of anatomy models, engineering diagrams, or laboratory setups can prompt LLMs to suggest ways to recreate these experiences through digital simulations, visuals, or interactive modules.
- Example prompt
Review this image of a physical teaching model and suggest ways this concept could be translated into an engaging eLearning interaction or digital learning activity.
7. Real Work Environments
Photographs of real work environments can support the development of scenario-based learning. Images of spaces such as hospital rooms, construction sites, office workstations, or manufacturing floors provide valuable context about the environment in which employees operate.
When an LLM analyzes these images, it can help designers generate realistic scenarios, decision-making exercises, or safety situations that reflect the actual conditions learners may encounter in their roles.
This approach helps ground training in authentic workplace contexts, strengthening the relevance of learning activities.
- Example prompt
Analyze this workplace image and suggest realistic training scenarios or decision-making situations that could occur in this environment.
8. Data Visualizations Or Reports
L&D teams frequently review dashboards, survey results, and evaluation reports when assessing learning effectiveness. Screenshots of these visualizations can be used as inputs for LLM analysis.
LLMs can help interpret patterns in the data and suggest potential training priorities, instructional improvements, or learning interventions.
- Example prompt
Analyze this training evaluation dashboard and suggest possible instructional improvements or new learning interventions based on the trends visible in the data.
Conclusion
LLMs process more than text alone. Images represent another powerful input that can support Instructional Design workflows. By analyzing photographs, diagrams, and visual artifacts from the design process, LLMs can help L&D professionals interpret ideas, generate scenarios, refine instructional strategies, and identify opportunities for improvement. These developments build on a growing body of work exploring how AI can support Instructional Design, learning activities, and tutoring interactions while keeping human expertise central to the process [2].
As with any emerging technology, responsible implementation matters. L&D leaders must also ensure that ethical considerations, transparency, and accountability remain part of AI integration in learning environments. Used thoughtfully, these visual capabilities can help designers move more efficiently from ideas to implementation while strengthening the quality of the learning experiences they create.
References:
[1] 5 Questions We Must Teach All AI Users, From Students To Professionals
