Setting Your Course in Motion
Concurrent Session 10
Brief Abstract
This presentation dives into the motivation and process of using motion graphics to elevate student learning. Content produced with the use of tailored motion graphics enhances the learning process and better retains interest within the online environment. This presentation highlights the pipelines used to incorporate motion graphics in course content.
Presenters
Extended Abstract
This presentation explores the motivation, process, and practice of using motion graphics and animation to elevate student learning in an online environment. Viewers will get an in-depth look at the reasoning behind incorporating such techniques into their educational content, as well as the workflow and pipeline implemented to efficiently achieve results that adequately support the respective modules and their learning objectives.
On the surface level, specifically designed and purposed motion graphics increase the visual appeal of most video content. At this point, we can compare initial audience responses to static, unmodified content versus a segment of polished and edited content with strong visual effort applied. Applying the creative approaches motion graphics artists use in creation of a course of content helps tie the modules together, and impacts the perceived credibility of the content. Employing these techniques to online educational content does more than elevate the aesthetics of the content, however, as it functionally benefits the efficacy of the presented material.
Presenting content with the aid of purposefully designed motion graphics allows viewers to relate to the content faster, and keep their attention longer. Ask audience how many of them consider themselves visual learners? Who’s heard of show, don’t tell? When applied distinctly to the learning content to support examples on a case by case basis, motion graphics help simplify complex data and information into a more digestible format. Easing the approach to such topics can encourage further exploration and entice the audience’s curiosity. Additionally, due to the processes required to produce such content, the eventual output will be thoroughly refined from a variety of different perspectives, allowing nuanced results.
The process of efficiently crafting supportive motion graphics for unique cases and examples will vary to a degree on a granular scale, but by and large will follow a similar template for the overall production pipeline. The pipeline begins with the instructors and their goals, who then develop and refine their lectures with instructional designers. Specific case studies and/or examples will be highlighted for animated support, and then scripts and storyboards are created to identify the key takeaways to be addressed. The team then coordinates studio time to record voiceovers and lectures, while production specialists begin creating the necessary assets. The size of the team assigned to a specific module or course will vary depending on the scale and complexity of the project. Once assets are created, multimedia specialists will begin animating the assets to the respective scripts, before sending off to review internally. After the necessary rounds of reviews are completed, the motion edited content will be implemented into the larger lecture and sent for client review.
This overall process allows for a streamlined workflow that keeps each member of the team focused on their preferred discipline, and allows enough organization to efficiently manage their time and workload. The style and application of motion graphics and animation will vary by course and by example. Typically, only a select few courses will contain in-depth animated case studies or examples, such as a court case presented as a cartoon segment, or calculus graphs animated one curve at a time. All course content produced by the team, however, will be enveloped with professional grade motion graphics (e.g., introduction stingers, lower thirds, etc.) and design practices to ensure the same level of quality and credibility.
Incorporating unique motion graphic assets and animations across a selection of courses will have a beneficial impact on the perception and efficacy of the produced educational content. Using a similar workflow to produce motion graphics with these practices in mind will help to develop content that aims to better retain and engage audiences. Ultimately, the desired result will benefit both the students’ learning and the educator’s perceived value.