FAMIS Animations as Teaching Tools and Laboratory Exercises: Their Value and How to Make Them

 

Danton H. O’Day

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2009, Volume 30

Abstract

Multiple technical resources commonly referred to as multimedia are currently in used by many instructors to communicate difficult topics and concepts to their students in meaningful ways. Today’s students embrace these new technologies and to be effective teachers we should also learn how to use them as instructional complements. The most effective teachers use a diversity of methods and approaches to assist their students in the learning process. The issue that arises then is not only how to use these various multimedia but how to use them effectively. One area of rapid development is in the area of instructional animations. While many animations exist they may not always fit an instructor’s specific needs. For this reason, I have spent the last several years developing a simple animation method called FAMIS animations. Along the way, I have also learned the essential elements of effective teaching animations.

Keywords:  animation, Powerpoint, multimedia, Camtasia Studio

University of Toronto, Mississauga (2008)