Animation as a learning tool
International semester in
animation as a method of learning
Spring Semester 2009
Study period: 1st of february - 31st of May 2009
30 ECTS
Location: Viborg (Denmark)
Deadline for application is 17th of November 2008
Childhood has changed rapidly over the past few years – and
the methods that we use as teachers and educators of children
and young people should reflect these changes.
Children learn best and most when they enjoy what they are
doing. Using animation as a tool to encourage and develop
children’s learning is not only fun but effective! By using
animation children develop skills and competencies in:
• Visual communication
• Cognition, emotional and ethic aspects
• Observation and sensitive aspects
• Concentration
• Problem-solving and innovative aspects
In this module, animation is being
used in the sense of
bringing character to life.
The module is designed for students
who wish to study in
Denmark and use animation as a
pedagogical tool in their
professional work with children and
youngsters.
Aims of the module
To explore the possibilities of animation as a method of
learning to develop children and young people’s skills and
competencies
To acquire skills in using ICT/multimedia in pedagogical
learning
To develop an understanding for aesthetic, alternative and
inclusive learning methods and didactics
To learn to work in groups and develop personal and
professional skills in cooperation
To acquire basic animation skills and learn the processes
behind an animated film
To obtain experience in the pedagogical uses of animation
through fieldwork – observations, interviews, data collection and analysis
To widen the theoretical knowledge of alternative
educational and learning approaches and to understand these
approaches in comparison with more traditional approaches
The module will include the following learning aspects
Theme 1. Introduction
Theatre Sport
Pixilation
A broad introduction to a guide in how to
animate
Short film productions
“Getting to know each other” and field trip
Theme 2. Narrativity
Art history
Picture composition
Character design
Storyboarding
Story-telling
Narrative technique
Constructivist perception
Theme 3. Learning theory
Overview of Theory of Science
Language and concept formation
Children’s development
Theme 4. Didactic considerations
Applied didactics
Didactic theory
Drawing: Life modelling and drawing for animation
Theme 5. Film analysis and production
Analysis of film
Knowledge of genres
Comparative media analysis
Introduction to various animation techniques
Software and technical set-up
Theme 6. Aesthetic learning
Aesthetics and learning
Creative processes
Drama and drama theory
Theme 7. Alternative methods of learning and
intercultural meetings
Cultural challenges in a learning situation
Visiting schools
Presentations of intercultural meetings
Student presentation of culture, learning and
learning traditions
Options with animation in a learning situation
Theme 8. Preparation of field work
Planning of field work, didactical
considerations, review of relevant
theories etc.
Field work
Theme 9. Evaluation
Evaluation of practical training and the
chosen
didactic and animation techniques etc.
The children’s films and evaluation
Theme 10. Preperation of final report
and final Film production
Advise of productions
Production of final film
Theme 11.
Work independently in own institution
with written assignment based on the
final film production and curriculum.
The module will be a mixture of lectures
and self
studies such as exercises related to the
lectures.
Learning
outcomes Students will have
acquired:
Awareness of language
development through aesthetic
learning processes and how these
relate to other learning
processes
Knowledge of how to produce a
storyboard, create
characters and background in film
and , various animation
techniques
Understanding of the processes
related to animation and
how these stimulate children’s motor
functions
Knowledge of how to use
metaphors, symbols and
contrasts in animation and how these
stimulate children’s
development and learning
Understanding of how to apply
theories in a teaching and
learning situation
Educational tools to use in
inclusive teaching and in the
teaching of children with special
needs
Skills in using computer
animation techniques in their future
work with children as a method of
developing their
language competencies
Ability to work collaboratively
in group-based activities
The module content is balanced
between theoretical studies
and practical activities, so
students will experience not only
the WHY of learning, but also the
HOW
Assessment The student’s are
assessed through the submission of a
written report that illustrates their
theoretical reflections and understandings of the pedagogical
possibilities of offering children
the opportunity to produce animated
cartoons and a short animation film. All students who complete the module
will receive a Diploma and a detailed Transcript of Records with
specification of the 30 ECTS Application and fees
There are no tuition fees for
Erasmus bilateral partners of VIA
University College. For students
coming from institutions without a
bilateral partner agreement with VIA
University College the tuition fee
is 3.200 euro.
VIA University College can offer
accommodation within walking distance from the campus.
The rent per month will be app. 190 euro.
VIA University College From 2008, all professional bachelor’s degree programmes offered in
Region Central Jutland will be combined at VIA University College.
The objective is to offer even better study programmes.
VIA will be the third-largest educational institution in Denmark, which
means that it will be able to offer more flexible programmes, a higher
level of specialisation, more resources for development, more targeted
continuing education programmes, better international opportunities and
a more diverse study environment comprising several campuses throughout
the region.
VIA is the result of a merger between University College
Jutland, University College Vita, University College Vitus Bering
Denmark, University College Mid-West and Alpha Centre for Higher
Education.
Read more at www.viauc.com.
International Afdeling / CVU
Midt-Vest / Reberbanen 13 / 8800 Viborg Denmark Tlf: +45 2552 7601 / + 45 2552 7603 Kontakt International
Afdeling
