Animation as a Learning Tool International semester in animation as a method of learning Spring Semester: Mid February – End June • 30 ECTS ... and ... Autumn Semester: Mid August – December • 30 ECTS Location: Department of Education and Social Studies • Viborg
VIA University College • Education and Social Studies Campus Viborg • Prinsens Allé 2 • DK-8800 Viborg • Denmark Tel. +45 8755 3700 • Fax +45 8755 3701 viborg.international@viauc.dk • www.viauc.com
Animation as a Learning Tool International semester in animation as a method of learning Spring Semester: Mid february – End June • 30 ECTS ... and ... Autumn Semester: Mid August – December • 30 ECTS Location: Department of Education and Social Studies • Viborg
Animation as a Learning Tool 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 competencies in:
• Story telling • Visual communication • Cognition, emotional, ethic and aesthetic aspects • Observation and sensory aspects • Concentration • Problem-solving and innovative aspects
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.
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Aims of the module • To explore the possibilities of animation as a method of learning to develop childrens and your peoples 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 educational and learning approaches
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.
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The module will include the following learning aspects Introduction • The Danish welfare system • Education in the Scandinavian context • Visiting school and institutions • Danish art and culture • Danish language course Animation: Introduction to different animation techniques (All subjects are basic at beginner’s level) : • Pixilation • Claymation • Cutout • Drawn animation • • • •
Visual Communication Composition Backgrounds Character design
• • • • • •
Storyboard Storytelling Film language Sound Film analysis Nonverbal communication
The above written subjects are taught through practical work: The students will work in different groups and produce approx. 4 short films, based on assignments given on all the above written subjects. At the end of the semester each student will produce a final film and a written portfolio, describing the work process of the final film.
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Language development • Language acquisition – an overview • Children’s use of language • Language and aesthetic learning processes • Child culture and play culture • Language and narratives Learning and working together: • Learning theories • Aesthetic learning processes • Learning in groups • The role of the teacher • Inclusion and education • Didactic theory Field work: • Working with children and young people • Animation as a learning tool • Didactics in practice • Reflecting theory and practice • How to observe children
During a two week fieldwork at a Danish school/kindergarten, the student will help/ guide the children produce short animations. Field work is completed with a written report focusing on learning processes, didactics and the language development of children. The practical experience of the field work and the theoretical elements are compared in the report, which also includes reflections on Animation as a Learning Tool. Evening classes: • Basic introduction to classical life drawing • Film nights: Various animated short and long films
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Learning outcomes Students will have acquired: • Basic knowledge of how to produce an animated film using different techniques, such as Claymation, cutout and pixilation • Knowledge of how to use metaphors, symbols and contrasts in animation and how to stimulate children´s development and learning • Improved skills in using basic computer software and different animation techniques, as a method to develop children’s language competencies • Basic knowledge of film language, composition, backgrounds and character design • Awareness of language development through aesthetic learning processes and how these relate to other learning processes • Understanding of the processes related to animation and how these stimulate children´s cognitive, social, emotional and motor development • Educational tools to use in inclusive teaching • Explore the possibilities of using Animation as a Learning Tool in a pedagogical context • 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
Assessment The students are assessed through the submission of a written report that illustrates their theoretical reflections and understandings of the pedagogical possibilities of offering children the opportunity to produce animated cartoons and a short animation film and portfolio. All students who complete the module will receive a Diploma and a detailed Transcript of Records with specification of the 30 ECTS.
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Animation as a Learning Tool – 5th Semester – 30 ECTS credits The fifth semester on the Bachelor Programme in Social Education, Viborg, is offered in English with the tittle ”Animation as a Learning Tool”. The semester will be conducted in accordance with the curriculum of 1 September 2009 and in cooperation with The Animation Workshop. The aim is for the student to acquire knowledge, skills and competencies in expressing herself/himself using various animation forms as well as insight into and an understanding of how to apply animation as a learning tool towards children and young people. Subject
ECTS credits
Comments on the subject
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Pedagogy: Knowledge about the living conditions and well-being of children and young people in relation to cultural, institutional and social conditions, including: Didactics: - Establish professionally well-founded aims and possibilities for action in animation as a learning tool. - Implement and evaluate social education courses with children and young people. Learning: Learning theory Aesthetic learning
Danish (language), Culture and Communication
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Knowledge about the develop-ment of children and how animation techniques may support the development of language and concepts, including: - language and identity - media theory and genre - analysis, interpretation, assessment and production of animation films - story-telling and narrativity - storyboard
Expression, Music and Drama
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Knowledge of art and cultural forms of expression as well as insight into Danish art and culture Knowledge and skills in production of different animation forms/techniques Understanding of different animation techniques and genres including their application within social education Skills in analysing and explaining the choice of visual effects in animation films Knowledge about the sensual, emotional, physical and intellectual aspects of the forms of expression
The specialisation Children and Young People, including: Social Education 7 ECTS Expression, Music and Drama 4 ECTS and Specialisation 1 ECTS
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Fees and Housing
approximately 250 Euro.
There is no tuition fees for students from bilateral partners of VIA University College
Please note that the monthly rent may be subject to change.
Application
For students coming from institutions without a bilateral partner agreement with VIA University College and for all nonEuropean students the tuition fee is 3200 Euro.
The student application/housing form and information of deadline for application at
VIA University College can offer accommodation within walking distance from the campus. The monthly rent per student is
International Project Coordinator Birgitte Vigsø Henningsen, bvh@ viauc.dk
www.viauc.com or email psh.exchange@viauc.dk
03111, 06.11., marh
If you have questions regarding application and housing please contact:
Academic Questions If you have academic questions please contact Module Director, Børge Pugholm bpu@viauc.dk Phone +45 8755 3713
More information on our beautiful city Viborg is available online at www.viborg.dk/english