Segmented Animation, User-Control Strategy and Cognition

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of various user-control strategies of segmented animation in learning abstract contents or processes that are not naturally visual on the cognition of students. In particular, the study examined the effects of five different user-control strategies: linear user-control, random user-control, free user-control, program-control, and continuous user-control. The research design was quasi-experimental and the data obtained were statistically analysed using ANCOVA and ANOVA. The instruments involved were pre-test, post-test, and NASA-TLX cognitive load test. The sample size consisted of 265 semester-two students enrolled in the Diploma in Networking System. The results indicated significant differences in the post-test and cognitive load test outcomes. In conclusion, this study suggests that the use of user-control, either linear user-control or random user-control, were sufficient strategies for learning abstract contents in segmented animation form.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was self-funded.

Notes on contributors

Ahmad Zamzuri Mohamad Ali

Ahmad Zamzuri Mohamad Ali is Professor of Multimedia in the Faculty of Art, Computing and Creative Industry, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Malaysia. He has a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master in Education from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and PhD in Multimedia Design from Universiti Sains Malaysia. He has taught both face-to-face and online classes in higher education for over 19 years. His research and publication interest is multimedia design, instructional technology and teaching and learning programming.

Anuar Hassan

Anuar Hassan is currently a lecturer at Polytechnic Malaysia. He has a Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master in Education from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and PhD in Instructional Technology from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. His research interest is instructional technology and Engineering Education.