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 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

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.
 

Download student application and housing reservation form (doc)

Download brochure (pdf)

Download Subjects-ECTS-Comments (doc)

How to get here (doc)

Arrival form (doc)

You can see some of the students work on YouTube: