Image hotspots

Use an image hotspot when the explanation belongs to a place in the picture: the parts of a cell, the landmarks on a map, the trees, cycle lane and bench on a street that works for everyone. Students read each explanation beside the detail it describes, while still seeing the whole picture.

An image hotspot explains and asks nothing. If students should find or mark a spot themselves, use a Hotspot question instead.

1. In a worksheet, use the + between two items and choose Image hotspot.

2. Click the pencil and add the picture: drop a file onto it or browse for one (PNG, JPEG, WebP or GIF), add an image URL, or draw one with Create on Canvas.

3. Right-click the detail you want to explain and choose Add hotspot. A numbered marker appears there.

4. Click the marker. Write a title in the top field and the explanation in the box below it. Add image attaches a picture to that marker.

5. Drag a marker to move it. To remove one, right-click it and choose Delete hotspot; this cannot be undone.

6. Click the tick when you are done.

Students see the picture with its numbered markers. Pointing at a marker, or clicking or tapping it, opens its title and explanation next to the detail. A picture attached to a marker opens bigger with Show larger.

There is nothing to answer, and nothing is recorded.

• Keep each explanation to one or two sentences about that exact spot. Longer text belongs in the worksheet around the picture.

• Give every marker a title that names the detail, so students know what they are opening.

• Put markers in the order you want students to read them; the numbers follow the order in which you added them.

• Adding markers needs a right-click, so prepare the image on a computer rather than a tablet.