Animation has great appeal and potential, especially when used in combination with strong learning and teaching principles.  Check out the animated video here.

Don’t be mislead into thinking that animation will detract from learning.  It’s the same thinking that happened when at first colour images were added to textbooks (“Oh, those kids are only going to look at the pictures, not read the words. Harrumph, harrumph… ”)

There are principles today on how to use multimedia with learning material (see Multimedia Learning by Richard E. Mayer), and these guide Instructional Designers and the like in creating effective learning experiences.

You don’t want your employees to dread training.  By using a variety of techniques and media training can become fun and engaging – and effective.  Whiteboard animations can show an idea through live drawings that appear as the idea develops.  Video infographics are the perfect addition for getting across all those data, figures, graphs and stats.

Set the tone for training with animation - enthusiasm and an open mindedness.

Animation, by it’s nature, is eye-catching, and students will find it easier to process information.  A catchy animation can grab students’ attention and help them to refocus on the lesson should they become distracted or lost.

Some concepts can be abstract and difficult to understand, animation in eLearning can simplify complex scenarios; demonstrate dangerous situations; and illustrate sensitive subjects.  Animated lessons are more likely to be recalled long after training is complete.

It’s a simple choice to make, if you have the resources to make animated videos.  Create a much more comprehensive learning experience with animation.

Sound Idea Digital specialises in Learning Management Systems and eLearning development | soundidealearningmanagement.co.za
Sandra is an eLearning Specialist & Content Editor for Sound Idea Digital |sandra@soundidea.co.za

To cite this blog article:
Slabbert, S. 2016, August 3. Why use animation in eLearning?.  <ideas> the official Sound Idea Digital blog [Web log post]. Available: http://blog.soundidea.co.za/articles/Why_use_animation_in_eLearning-482.html