Animation for Learning

Animation is considered to be “series of frames so each frame appears as an alternation of the previous one” which trick the mind into believing that an inanimate object is in fact, animate. 

As animation has taken flight, the opportunity for learning is greater. This is mainly because they are diverse and transferable, in other words, they can be used anywhere and understood by anyone despite age or even language. The use of sound can project meaning making the animation universal.

The symbolic nature of Animations can help viewers understand more complex issues and concepts as it gives a different perspective. However, Ainsworth and Van Labeke (2004) criticise and suggest that 'animations are a specific type of dynamic representation and that the term animation should not be used to refer to all forms of dynamic representation'.

As a tool for learning , Animations can engage cognitive, motor and perceptual skills, and can reduce the amount of cognitive effort required to learn and take in concepts. Because of its transient nature, the learner is more likely to memorise the information or issue portrayed.

As seen in our seminars, programmes such as Zu3d are incredibly child friendly cheap and accessible which promote creativity, patience and cognitive strength. 

To clarify, Animation and Learning are beneficial because;

• Improves Memory
• Engages and uses less cognitive power
• More chance of motivation
• Universal and easy to create and partake

How do animations influence learning?

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A history of the Zeotrope

Animation does not have to be restricted to the boundaries of a camera. Pre-camera animations are often known as Camera-less Animations

During this session we discussed stop motion and engaged with a few ourselves. We ended up making a Zeotrope which I forgot to document! However, the purpose was to evaluate the types of skills that were used and improved upon during the process.

The 'Zoetrope' has its origins in the Victorian era. There are many types such as linear, cylindrical and 3D. A linear Zeotrope has a solid, full coloured screen with slits in it. Behind each slit is an image. As the display moves, the images come to life. 

A History of Stop Motion Animation

Animation can be defined as 'the technique of photographing successive drawings or positions of puppets or models to create an illusion of movement when the film is shown as a sequence' The beauty animating is that its both fun and engaging and can add a new dimension to learning.

 The project 'Teach IT' state that using animation can assist children to both interact and learn.



The very idea of Animation is a recent concept that can be dated back to 1824 when Peter Roget presented his paper 'The persistence of vision with regard to moving objects' to the British Royal Society. This inspired other animators on their journeys of what they have become today.

We learn best and most when we enjoy what they are doing. Using animation 

as a tool to encourage and develop understanding is not only fun but effective.

Using animation can develop skills and competencies in:

• Story telling
• Visual communication
• Cognition, emotional, ethic and aesthetic aspects
• Observation and sensory aspects
• Concentration
• Problem-solving and innovative aspects

Upon discussion in our seminar with Mandy Peace, it is evident that out of our class of about 15, peoples notions of stop-motion animation is very different dependant on the age differences. Some people mentioned the classic 'Morph' from 1977 and Wallace and Gromit and others stated more recent animations such as Coraline, Corps Bride and my personal favourite and last watched, Chicken Run.

There are many advantages to stop-motion animation, the greatest being magically bringing to life inanimate objects. Jot Reyes states that Animations, when done correctly, offer the reach and deep emotional engagement with audiences that only a multi sensory approach can provide. Also the cost of making stop motion is minimal, and its accessible to both old and young.




The disadvantages of animations  are that they are heavily time consuming. A few mere minutes of screen can take around 500 frames. The editing process afterwards can also be frustrating. 








References

Reyes, J (2014) The advantages and disadvantages of stop motion animations. Available at http://www.quora.com/What-are-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-explaining-topics-with-animations-and-animated-infographics

Teach IT (2014) Pros and Cons of Animation. Available at, http://www.teach-ict.com/gcse_new/software/animation/miniweb/pg10.htm

Learning Environments and Modern Technology

What is a learning environment? 

Learning and its environment gives reference to anything that stimulates the mind, and engages the learner. The context and diversity of this environment is limitless especially in the ever changing fast paced 21st Century.  The addition of modern technology has opened vast new doors into learning and its has also helped us to understand the facets of learning that have nothing to do with technology. 

Warger (2009) suggests that the beauty of modern technology compared to the past is incredible. Technology has opened up a whole new world of information. Warger states that 'the introduction of technology into every aspect of our lives has led educators to think differently about where and how learning takes place.

Where do people go to learn? What do those spaces look like?

Learning is versatile and not necessarily limited to the classroom. Outdoor learning experiences include; Classrooms, Museums, Beaches, Countryside, Forests, Parks. Each learning space offers its own primary resources and opportunities for enquiry.

How does the arrangement of a learning space contribute to—or detract from—the task of education?

 The way a learning space is designed can either encourage or restrict learning. For instance, learning from an open space such as a beach or forest can contribute to learning due to the excessive primary resources that a child can engage with using all their senses. However, sitting in classrooms, facing the front and learning from secondary resources such as books, can diminish and detract learning. Karl Waldo Emerson states that learning from primary resources free us and secondary resources imprison us. However, a classroom environment can be improved by promoting and encouraging critical engagement and discussion,  e.g tables together for group work, group tasks such as making an animation.

How important is the learning environment?

The environment in which we learn plays a crucial part in whether a child engages, or not. There is a strong connection between stimulation and engagement. The more stimulating the environment, the more inclined a child is to engage in their learning.

An effective way to engage a child is through multi-sensory learning. Engaging all the senses is best done through outdoor learning experiences which standard classrooms fail to provide.

References

Warger (2009) Learning Environments:

Where Space, Technology, and Culture Converge. Available at https://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI3021.pdf 

United Nations Education (2014) Learning Environments. Available at, (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/quality-framework/core-resources/learning-environment/