A systematic characterisation of expository animations

Despite the rapid and widespread adoption of animations in education, there is still no systematic account of the main characteristics of expository animations that have been targeted by educational research. A literature search and analysis was conducted to address this deficiency. First, overviews, reviews, and meta-analyses were analysed to extract an initial set of dimensions to characterise expository animations. Next, a representative set of descriptions of expository animations used in past research on learning from animation was retrieved from the research literature. The animations employed in the 44 investigations analysed covered 30 different topics in 14 different domains. The characterisation developed distinguishes attributes that are inherent characteristics of animations from attributes that are external supplements to animations. The potential advantages of the characterisation developed as a framework for future research on learning from animation are discussed.

► We propose a systematic characterization of expository animations employed in instructional contexts. ► We started our analysis from available reviews and meta-analyses on learning from animation. ► We further conducted a systematic search for literature on learning from animation in PsychINFO. ► In the characterization we propose, we distinguish between inherent and external features of animations. ► We explore possible consequences of different animation designs for learning.