Many major search engines offer pre-set image searching from the homepage, often with options to filter results. However such searches and filters generally work on the basis of filename and description, and so can lead to misleading, unexpected or inappropriate results, sometimes of an adult nature. While teachers may find search engine image searches useful in lesson preparation, they should always be used with care and caution, and it is probably wise not to use them ‘live’ within a classroom setting.

An alternative is to use specialist web-based image collections – sites which deal specifically with key subjects such as the arts, animals, history or scientific concepts. These have the benefit of being closed collections, monitored and moderated by specialists within their field. Many now have an educational focus and provide copyright permissions specifically for educational use.

This document, while not comprehensive, lists some web-based image collections and search services which might be useful for educational use.