Bringing the Classroom to Life

Remember those boring movies and slideshows at school? Well not any more because video and animation has changed. They are now interactive, funny and engaging – not to mention informative and they are hitting a school near you!

Video and animation has always been used school. However, now more than ever, it has become a great way to get students engaged and involved in learning. It steps away from that ‘traditional’ mould and provides students with a stimulating learning experience.

Throughout my school life and university pracs, I have seen many teachers use these techniques themselves to explain boring or difficult topics. Video and animation can also help students to visualise concepts. When I was at school I used it in Science to understand how molecules formed, I used it in English to clarify Shakespeare and I used it in Economics to gain a better understanding of the global economy.

However, there is another use for video and animation – get the students to produce videos and animations themselves. As most students love a chance to get creative and do things a little differently, this strategy works wonders. I have seen kids who usually do little work become motivated and enthusiastic learners when they are allowed to produce a video or animation on a concept or for an assessment item.

Using video and animation in the classroom isn’t hard – however it can become time consuming as some students become obsessed with the fun task. But give the kids a break and let them be creative – both the teachers and students will be surprised at what an effective learning tool it is.