Future of Animation in Education
Post the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual classrooms have become increasingly popular. Of course, traditional learning environments still exist but educators are slowly realising that virtual classrooms are adaptable, dynamic and inclusive. Technology has further ushered in a new wave wherein teaching and learning has completely been transformed. However, just putting on a PowerPoint presentation isn’t enough. It’s very important for the learning modules to be interactive. Only then will the students be interested and keen. For this reason, animation is increasingly being used in education. The future of animation looks promising where complex concepts are being converted into dynamic visuals, and virtual reality, CGI and augmented reality are taking centre stage.
What are Online Learning Environments?
Online learning spaces or environments became increasingly popular during the pandemic. They are virtual classrooms where students learn with the help of technology. For one to participate in a programme, all that is required is a steady WIFI connection and a computer/laptop. The students won’t be in the same physical space but the teaching style stays the same. In fact, interactive learning modules make it easier for students to grasp complex concepts.
Use of Animation in Education
CGI and 3D animation are drastically changing education. They’re improving digital learning tools in order to create interactive experiences for students. They’re being used in an array of concepts including virtual labs, interactive textbooks and science demonstrations.
Using 3D animation, students can visualise complex ideas and tough subjects can easily be understood. Virtual classrooms also include virtual labs. Here 3D models are used to explain scientific topics. Also, it’s safer than real-life lab experiments that can be conducted safely while offering hands-on learning. CGI can also enhance student engagement. Studies reveal that students who have grasped concepts using animation remember information better. Further, technological advancements are shaping the future of CGI. One significant development is that now there are faster and more efficient CGI rendering tools. AI has also been a game-changer in this sector. High-quality animations and visuals can be produced very quickly thereby making it easier to produce engaging content for students. The three main types of educational animation are:
- 2D Animation: Though it is a traditional method of animation, it involves creating movement in a two-dimensional space. Owing to its cost-effectiveness, simplicity and clarity, it is widely being used in the educational space.
- 3D Animation: These days, students like anything that looks real. It not just adds depth but makes visuals more lifelike. It’s mainly used in certain subjects including biology and engineering.
- Interactive Animation: The third type of animation used in the education space is interactive animation. From answering a student’s questions to manipulating objections within the animation, the realms of interactive animation are much larger than we can think of.
Benefits of Using Animation in Education
A few benefits of educational animation are as follows:
Enhanced Engagement
One of the biggest benefits of using animation in educational content is the ability to captivate the student’s attention. Sometimes static images and plain text can become pretty boring. Dynamic and visually-stimulating content is the best way to interact with an audience. Learners are likely to stay focused and engaged too.
Breaks down Complexities
In a virtual learning environment, simplifying complex topics is of paramount importance. The best way this can be done is through animation. It surely makes it easier to understand and retain. Since it is breaking down theory into manageable chunks, the information becomes more digestible and easier to understand. Learners recall animated content better than lecture-based learning.
Caters to Diverse Learners and Promotes Inclusivity
A major advantage of online learning and educational animation is that it caters to diverse learning needs. It appeals to all kinds of learners including visual, auditory and kinesthetic. This gives an equal learning opportunity to students from all kinds of backgrounds, fosters inclusion and eliminates any kind of learning differences.
Conclusion
Virtual classrooms are surely transforming learning environments. Animation has a crucial role to play in this entire process. The future of 3D animation and CGI looks incredibly promising. It’s the best way to enhance remote learning and cater to an array of learning styles. As an educator, if you want to unlock the potential of animation in education, you should seek help from a visual artist or animator, someone who has an undergraduate degree in visual arts from a reputed animation and multimedia college.
