In education, animations are employed to support the perception, mental representation, and

understanding of changes in space and time. However, the educational effectiveness of animations has
been challenged by three meta-analyses which compared learning from animations with learning from
static pictures. In the first meta-analysis, Höffler and Leutner (2007) analyzed 76 pair-wise comparisons.
They observed a merely small overall effect size of d = 0.37 in favor of animations and videos. Almost 10
years later, the second analysis by Berney and Bétrancourt (2016) covered 140 pair-wise comparisons. It
resulted in an even smaller overall effect size of g = 0.226 in favor of animations. The third analysis by
Castro-Alonso et al. (2019) involved 82 pair-wise comparisons. It also yielded an overall effect size of
merely g = 0.23 in favor of animations.

The disillusioning results of these meta-analyses resulted in an increasingly growing skepticism over the
educational benefits of animations. For instance, Clark and Mayer (2016, p. 84) suggest “… to use static
illustrations unless there is a compelling instructional rationale for animation. In particular, when you
have an explanative illustration, we recommend presenting a series of static frames to depict the various
states of the system rather than a lock-step animation.” However, what denotes a compelling
instructional rationale for the use of animation? One important reason for the educational use of
animations is that learners need to grasp what animations can overtly present: how change in space and
time occurs. Already 2002 Tversky, Morrison, and Bétrancourt assumed “… if there are benefits to
animation, they should be evident especially for continuous rather than discrete changes, in particular,
for manner of change and for microsteps, the subtle and intricate timing relations among parts of a
complex system.” (Tversky et al., 2002, p. 258). Until recently, however, the specific potential of
animations has not received sufficient attention in empirical research comparing the educational
effectiveness of animations and static pictures.

More recently, Ploetzner et al. (2020) re-analyzed the meta-analysis originally published by Berney and
Bétrancourt (2016). They investigated a new moderator that encodes whether the specific features of
the displayed changes were irrelevant or relevant to learning. They distinguished between simple and
complex features with respect to the features of change. A frequent type of change is motion, for
instance. If it merely had to be learned in which direction an object moves, this was coded as a simple
feature of change relevant to learning. However, if it had to be learned whether an object moves slow or
fast, or whether an object speeds up or slows down, this was coded as a complex feature of change
relevant to learning.

Learning from animations was significantly more successful than learning from static pictures if either
simple (g = 0.340) or complex (g = 0.647) features of the displayed changes had to be learned. If neither
simple nor complex features of the presented changes had to be learned, it was irrelevant whether
learning took place on the basis of animations or static pictures (g = 0.043). These results suggest that
when the learning domain includes only simple forms of change, many learners who are presented static
pictures seem to be able to construct suitable mental animations. However, when challenging forms of
change are to be learned, mental animation is more likely to be difficult and prone to error, thus
learning from animated displays is more beneficial (cf. Hegarty et al., 2003).

The authors conclude that their re-analysis is of heuristic value and that future research on learning
from animations needs to validate this finding by means of experimental studies. In this paper, we
present an experimental study that compares learning from an animation with learning from static
pictures. It aims to experimentally challenge the findings reported by Ploetzner et al. (2020) as well as to
investigate the potential and limitations of animations for learning in relation to static pictures. The
study is therefore not only based on the representational characteristics of animations and static
pictures, but also on a model of how animations are perceptually and cognitively processed.

In the following sections, the theoretical background is described. Thereafter, the study that
experimentally compares learning from an animation with learning from static pictures is presented. A
discussion and conclusions complete the paper.

Change is all around us and all we can do is to make the best out of it. Fortunately, some changes are for
the better. For instance, using videos for education is not a new concept, but it is gaining more
popularity nowadays. Especially in the generation where online classes are now possible.

Technology made it clear that there is no limit to the number of students you can reach if you use the
right tools.

Video Animations: A Transition to Modern Education

There was a time when students had to carry heavy books and when watching videos in classes is a
special activity. However, times have progressed and so must the teaching methods in the education
sector.

With today’s video maker apps, technology, and other tools– there is no excuse to resist the
modernization of classes. Using videos and animations have benefits for both students and teachers
alike.

They can serve as complementary tools since videos can enhance the quality of teaching and learning.

This form of visual aid will help capture students’ attention.

Blocks of texts are not exactly the most appealing things in the world– unless it’s your favorite fiction
book and things are getting good.

Students respond better to visual stimulators than just the good ol’ traditional textbooks. Visual content
like videos and animations encourages students to interact with both the concept and the content.

Video animations especially help imprint lessons in students’ minds since they can be as fun and unique
as you want them to be– simply put, they are great for better information retention.

You can find video maker web applications like Squigl on the internet that require no installations,
lengthy training, or additional equipment. These tools can help you convert teaching materials into
interesting video presentations.

Video content promotes digital literacy.

Digital literacy is considered an essential skill in this generation. People use technology in just about
anything nowadays. And your students will definitely need them when they start looking for jobs.
Using videos and animations for classes can help expose your students to digital materials and tools. The
more they experience technology in school, the more confident and proficient they will become by the
time they graduate.

Video animations and presentations expand remote teaching opportunities.

Using videos for education benefits both teachers and students. Video content can help students
understand lessons better, while it can help teachers focus on quality.

Video and animations can help students visualize the lessons and process them better. While teachers
can prepare one content-rich video, use and reuse it and focus on answering students’ questions instead
of worrying about how to present the lesson.

Fortunately, video maker web apps and video animation makers are available on the internet to use.
They require little to no training since most of them have an intuitive user interface.

Let’s just take Squigl as an example. After signing up for an account, you can immediately start making
videos! This video editor web app allows you to either create from scratch or convert your PowerPoint
presentation into a video presentation.

Video content has many uses in an educational setting.

You can use video presentations in many ways. It can be used as an introduction to a lesson, as a
supporting material, etc.

If done right, videos can help hook to get students interested in the lesson. It also helps students to
improve their listening skills which play a significant role at higher education levels.

Videos can help develop many essential skills.

Aside from listening skills, videos can stimulate cognitive processes of thinking, reasoning, problem-
solving, decision-making, and creating.

You can use video presentations to engage your students with more complex concepts and help them
understand these ideas.

Videos can help understand their students better.

Teachers are almost always in the spotlight during classes. It is up to them to help their students
understand the lessons. As mentioned previously, it is hard to focus on improving the quality of student
experience when educators need to focus on how to effectively present the lessons in a way that
everyone can understand.

Videos allow teachers to step out of the spotlight and observe. The opportunity to observe can help
educators focus on answering questions and gaining a better understanding of their students.

Videos can address students with short attention spans.

Nobody can stay laser focus for a long time, and some people have a shorter attention span than
others.
Videos are fun and interesting visual stimulators that can help students retain information better. On
top of that, you can always pause videos to take a break and communicate with your students. You can
discuss ideas and answer some questions while the class takes a break from absorbing information from
the video presentation.

The education system has a very important role in shaping the perceptions and characters of students
who will lead the world in various capacities in the future. The comprehension needs of these
youngsters can no longer be completely fulfilled by conventional learning framework as it is at par with
the latest pedagogic trends.

Moreover, animated educational videos take the boredom away from learning. The limited attention
span or lack of concentration can be overcome which most students suffer. If you observe the habits of
children closely, you will find that they take great delight in watching and sharing memes, videos on
social sites, gifs, etc. This implies that animated content leaves a deep-rooted impression on the intellect
of children.

The importance of animation for children can be seen in the educational field. In classrooms, animated
learning material can be used for a variety of purposes, like

● Explaining complex and challenging concepts in easy to understand manner

● Making learning an enjoyable experience for even poorly performing students

● Presenting things in completely new outlook

The role of animation in developing an interest in learning in students is supreme. It is important that
parents and other stakeholders should promote the cause of including animation in learning.

Ways to Incorporate Animation in Children’s Education

The benefits that can be obtained by the incorporation of animation in education are many. This
provided us the ways to include animation in learning pursuits. The different ways are discussed below.

Animation of Subject-based topics

Various chapters of different subjects like science, mathematics, English, etc. can be animated to relate
the students with the concepts taught. Complex topics can be presented in a visual manner with fun bits
reducing the challenges in understanding the topics.

Course modules can be viewed any number of times as required by a student to handle the subject
complexities. The animation is captured easily in the brain for a longer time as compared to normal
videos. Animation can be modified and updated over a period of time to include any changes.
Class presentations enhanced

Teachers would now be more value-added with the help of animations. The interactive classes will keep
students focused. Visual interaction would encourage more participation from students.

Students will be motivated to know more about topics. Thoughts and ideas can be presented with slide
shows.

Visualizations made easy and attentive

Many topics are more complex and require more focused teaching efforts to provide clarity to students.
Animated topic videos with 3D animation can be used to provide detailed information and explanation
about such topics. Multimedia components like audio, video, images, and texts can be blended together
to make complex topics easier to understand. Students with varying IQ levels can understand the topics
with ease.

With animations, topics that baffle mind can be easily articulated. Multimedia presentations can help
students to visualize the concepts and get understand them in an easy manner. The imagination of
young minds can be broadened using animation.

Making classes available as required

Traditional classrooms are confined to rooms and schools. Students have to attend the classes for fixed
time irrespective of whether they learned and understood the topic or not. With animated learning
modules, topics can be published online allowing students to learn as their own comfort and pace.

Animated lessons can be learned from any location. Access to resources can be made available from the
school, home, library or any place with access to the internet. This provides encouragement for learning
at ease and anywhere. Animations can be combined with background music to calm the mind and
improve focus on learning.

Removing the age factor in learning

Learners of any age groups can benefit from interactive animated learning modules. Varied approaches
are available for students of kindergarten, school and university learners. The exciting and attention-
catching animations are appealing to all age groups.

Teachers can improve productivity and make learning more efficient by using various approaches
available for different age groups. Animations allow topics to be stored in memory easily for a long
period of time. Using narratives, sound and nerve-calming music adds more power to learning. Every
learner can connect to the topic and the brain will respond with much ease to learning complex topics.
Animated material will stimulate the senses.

Freedom to express

Students often feel shy or self-conscious in expressing or speaking how they feel when learning. The
presences of better minds inhibit their energies and expressions are suppressed.

Animation can offer a simple solution to such problems in education. Characters are created and
available in environments which are illustrated beforehand. With the option to learn from anywhere and
multiple times, one can freely express their doubts and feeling. Students can participate and discuss
with more ease. Many companies are promoting animated study materials developed for usage in
schools and universities. Teachers can use the management features available with such a course to
deliver more efficient and easy learning.

CONCLUSION

Multiple studies have proved animation to be a medium effective to facilitate better learning technique
in students/learners. However, learning modules must be designed comprehensively to achieve the
desired output. Experts in specialized domains are required to achieve a successful outcome.

Stimulating and attentive learning modules can be developed in conjunction with experts along with
using the latest 2d and 3d animation techniques with supporting multimedia components. This will
enhance teaching to a new level.

Students and learners of any age group will be motivated and move with easy to realize their true
potential.

Ploetzner, R., Berney, S., & Bétrancourt, M. (2021, May 26). When learning from animations is
more successful than learning from Static Pictures: Learning the specifics of change - instructional
science. SpringerLink. Retrieved August 22, 2022, from
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11251-021-09541-w

Reasons why video animations are effective for education. Squigl. (2021, June 18). Retrieved August 22,
2022, from https://squiglit.com/blog/reasons-why-video-animations-are-effective-for-education/

Importance and benefits of animation in education: Why Elearning is important in 2022. Best Animation
Studios. (n.d.). Retrieved August 22, 2022, from https://beststudios.in/importance-and-benefits-of-
animation-in-education.html