Higher Education Online

For those who work to educate others, visual aids are a foundation for learning. However, with the great advances of technology, learning has been given a tremendous boost thanks to educational animation. Computers have made it possible for visual aids to not only clearly illustrate a subject or viewpoint, but also use animated action to demonstrate the inner workings of difficult concepts. This is extremely advantageous in online learning where students may not have the immediate help of an instructor available to them. For many, it is text accompanied by animation that provides the best understanding of a concept.

Educational animation is a tool that can work tremendously well in online learning programs where diagrams are commonplace, such as information technology. They can easily illustrate the various functions that occur inside a computer and its circuits. There are many programs that allow teachers to create these animations to help students learn specific concepts that would otherwise be extremely difficult to explain. With online learning where there is no instructor, it is an absolutely essential tool. The visual and mental stimulation that comes with animation is what allows each and every student to individually form his or her understanding of a concept.

The use of animation in education is known to promote learning in what is called affective and cognitive functions. In affective functions, the animation engages the learner in a way that is educational and entertaining at the same time. The student learns almost without knowing it. In cognitive functions, the animations consist of information and data. Its primary focus is to help students remember specific elements in their course of study. While helpful to most, animations are not a surefire solution for all. When animations are too complex or multifaceted, it is not uncommon for students to become overwhelmed. This has to do with the amount of information the brain can process. It has been noted that the simpler the animation, the better a student is able to take in and recall the material.

For the most part, a majority of students appreciate educational animation and find it to be an extremely helpful tool. Computers are now so central to education from an early age that many do not know what it is to be without this type of visual aid. As technology improves everyday, it is also becoming more and more cost effective. Before, animation used to be a complicated process. Now, putting together an animated presentation or visual aid can take a matter of moments. Animation can also educate while providing an entertaining and welcome break from the drudgery of conventional learning methods. Many students find learning processes and procedures are much easier to remember with the help of animation.

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