Animation for Learning

As educators it is important for us to consider new and better approaches to engage our learners. Research suggests Ainsworth (2008) when we are having fun, we tend to learn better. It also suggests that when both visual and spoken communication is used there is a high retention of information. With this in mind, Animation offers exciting possibilities for meeting the needs of 21st century learners. I can see this in two way; using Animations to convey a message or information, and using Animations for learners to demonstrate their understanding of the message or information (Hwang, Tam & Lam, 2012). So, the input and the output if you like?
Animation fulfils a cognitive function. In this role, animations are intended to support learners’ cognitive processes that ultimately result in them understanding the subject matter. Animation can be used to make very exciting and fun animations into which education and training can easily be incorporated. Instructors can also use animation to demonstrate things and concepts visually exactly how they want to since they have control of every aspect of the animation. It can be used to show how things come together and work together.

Young people are fascinated by animation and animated stories and they enjoy the opportunity to create their own. The creative potential of animation is enormous, and integrating animation activities into the school curriculum offers the possibility of tapping this potential to meet a range of educational objectives