Instructional Animation vs. Static Pictures

Höffler, T., & Leutner, D. (2007). Instructional animation versus static pictures: A meta-analysis. Learning and Instruction, 17, 722 -738.


This paper is about a meta-analysis done with static and dynamic visualizations
Effect of pictures on learning:
-Active processing: Wittrock - meaningful learning occurs when learners are actively process information
-Dual channel processing and dual coding: Paivio' dual coding and Baddeley's working memory
-Limited capacity: limitations of the short term memory load 
Effects of animations on learning: no distinction from static pictures
Animations vs static pictures:
-disadvantage of animation: a frame of an animation is viewed only at a time, with time limit in working memory that can be forgotten easily, while static pictures are there permanently
-advantage of animation: animations can help mentally visualize a procedure instead of trying to reconstruct the process form series of pictures-- reducing cognitive load 
-for both: spatial ability, prior knowledge are effective


meta-analysis result:
-animations are better than static pictures in general?
-animations are learned better when motion depicted in the animation is the content to be learned = representational animation rather than decorational animation
-instructional animations over static pictures - which is in line with cognitive load theory and multimedia learning.