This short module, which is part of the Animation Toolbox, explains the principles of animation and shows examples of how each of the following are created:
Try out a sample module!
About the Animation Toolbox:
The Animation Toolbox supports teaching and learning in Certificates II-III in Screen (Animation Strand) (CUF01) Film, TV, Radio and Multimedia Training Package.
This toolbox is designed to provide both background information for the animation production process as a whole, and information, demonstrations and activities for building the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out specific tasks within the animation industry.
Learning Design
The toolbox uses a simulated animation studio as the setting. There are two basic ways the learner may approach the content.
- In the Studio Tour mode, the learner has open access to the various resources and instructional materials. There is comprehensive content coverage with demonstration clips and examples.
- In the Apprentice mode the learner undertakes a series of typical animation studio style ‘jobs’, each of which corresponds to a competency. Six of the seven jobs represent the stages of a single major project (to produce a TV commercial). Whilst each job is self-contained, the jobs are linked through the project focus, shared resources and the personnel involved. The jobs are realistic and a tangible end product is produced on completion.
Organisation of Learning Materials
The learning materials are organised around the various roles and responsibilities of workers in an animation studio. The various units are accessed through key personnel presented as workers in the virtual setting, Lightbox Animation. A learner undertaking a job is guided through all relevant content by the studio staff. The content (text resources, demonstrations, activities etc) is presented in narrative style with continuity across topic and staff boundaries. The presentation of material relating to a job closely mirrors what might happen in a real animation studio. The jobs are explicitly colour coded for clarity.
The learning materials are presented to the learner in the form of a guided walkthrough and various exercises and activities are provided to enable the learner to practice and consolidate the various procedures that are described.
Learning Resources
The Toolbox contains a wide array of resources. The material contains a large number of graphics and illustrations which add to the appealing look and feel of the whole setting. Comprehensive materials are provided to guide the learner through the various tasks and activities represented by the various units. Much of the supporting material is provided in a zipped format and downloadable behind the Web site for use on the learner’s local machine.
Well-designed and easily recognised ‘Signposts’ and ‘Hints’ direct the learners across boundaries between staff responsibilities. Similar ‘Demo’ icons allow users to watch demonstration clips launched in new windows. These are used only as needed and are appropriate for the content. The large volume of downloadable raw resources is made available at the beginning of each of the jobs.
This toolbox has been very well received by teachers and learners in the industry and used to support and guide learning in various ways. This is a great example of authentic learning contextualised in the simulated environment of the toolbox. The simulation of a real environment works well, and enables authentic, real world tasks. The nature of the material is well demonstrated with lots of colour and movement in the graphic design.
The toolbox is an asset for a busy teacher, in that the raw materials are already designed and available for the learners. It is demonstrates how online learning materials can be organised to aid teachers and learners. Learners can repeat the instructions and information as many times as they need to, instruction is staged so that they can progress in steps without having to create everything from scratch and the overall feel and tone of the toolbox is very enticing and accessible.
I’d need a bit of instruction and help downloading and organising the files and it seems that this toolbox works best with support rather than as a stand alone, independent learning program. I’d like to hear more information and maybe a voice over would help me engage more. There are sound effects in the animation sequences, and perhaps a companionable voice would add to my enjoyment, and maybe my learning. If you know what you are doing or simply need more practice after a teaching session- this toolbox is wonderful, and what a superb resource for teaching staff!
About Toolboxes:
Development of flexible learning Toolboxes is part of the Australian Flexible Learning Framework, an agreement between ANTA and the Australian States and Territories.
A Toolbox is a collection of online training materials comprising learning activities, resources and user guides to support program delivery for endorsed Training Package qualifications. You can find out more about the flexible learning Toolboxes, and preview them, at: http://flexiblelearning.net.au/toolbox
