Young learners’control of technical animations

Abstract : This chapter deals with the effect of user control on learning from technical animations. First, the concept of user controllability is explored and possible reasons for the varied research findings concerning its effectiveness in supporting learning are considered. Second, an empirical study is reported in which young learners studied the operation of gear systems from animated instruction featuring different levels of user control. Finally, results of the study are discussed and related to processing constraints that may influence the educational effectiveness of user controllable animations.