Preference of Animated Graphics to Static Images

Over the years, I have come to realize that I am a visual learner. I learn best when visuals are involved in the explanation of abstract or foreign concepts. This is especially beneficial when I am learning about scientific concepts as science is not my best subject. [A bit ironic considering I went to a math and science high school. harhar.] However, there are times when static graphics just don't cut it for me. I struggle to understand physics and I have realized that when there are animated graphics available to explain a particular concept, I understand it better than if the images were static. While I cannot recall one specific example, I do remember understanding some concepts better than others because I had seen an animated visual rather than a still image.

Perhaps the reason why I benefit from animated images is because when I encounter an abstract concept, I have no background knowledge of the topic nor am I interested. Therefore, it is harder for me to relate or become engaged in learning about the concept. This is also particularly true for many other students. As educators of today's children, we need to be utilize the various media available to engage and instruct our students, especially since they are known as the video-game generation.

Educational Video Clips

As mentioned in one of my previous blogs, BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr. have many interesting and educational videos that are often used in and out of the classroom. Personally, I have seen my younger brothers on BrainPOP checking out videos on topics that they wish to learn more about. One occasion that comes to mind is when they viewed the video about 9-11 and the events that followed. I know in public schools, 9-11 is still a relatively new and rather sensitive topic to discuss so it is often avoided or omitted in the school curriculum. At home, this is something that is mentioned at least once a year as my father and I were both in downtown Manhattan on that fateful day. For whatever reason, perhaps it is because we have discussed it at home or they just randomly stumbled across it, it was something that they wanted to be well-educated about.. after they viewed the video, they approached me with questions about the day and about terrorists. I was quite blown away that they knew so much and when I inquired about it, they shared with me the link to the video. I was amazed at how kid-friendly the video was [it is done in a cartoon-like fashion] yet how they managed to embed the vocabulary in a way that was not obvious or overwhelming. Then at the end of the video, students have the option to read more about the event or test their knowledge. This allows the student to assume a more active role in their education. The video can be viewed here.

Another educational clip that I have always enjoyed was the clip of Wakko from the cartoon show Animaniacs reciting the 50 states and capitals through song. Having grown up with this show and seeing this episode multiple times, I can see this video helping many students to memorize the states and capitals, especially those who are auditory learners or learn better through music. In fact, I do have a few friends who have credited this clip to helping them pass their geography exams in primary school! This song is so catchy and adds a bit of whimsy to such a mundane task.. wouldn't you agree?

Oh yea, quick tip for educators.. YouTube is blocked in NYC public schools, so if you ever want to access a video clip, go to SchoolTube. That site is geared more for the educational setting.. We have actually used it a few times the past year, especially when we were raising chicks in the classroom and wanted the children to understand the concept of candling an egg. There were a few videos we also wanted to show but could not get.. like the Magic School Bus video of the class hatching an egg. :(