BURBANK, Calif. — Animation isn’t just for kids; experts affirm its potent educational value for all ages. Beyond simple entertainment, animation, cartoons, and comics foster crucial cognitive, social, and emotional development across a wide spectrum of individuals.
“Sequential art, whether in animated or comic form, is a powerful tool for learning,” says Rick Law, a renowned artist and former Creative Manager for Disney Learning. “It sparks curiosity and teaches valuable lessons in a genuinely engaging way.”
Law, who has been involved in numerous educational initiatives that utilized animation, including the groundbreaking Disney English program and the powerful 2013 DVD docuseries “They Spoke Out: American Voices Against the Holocaust,” featuring six separate stories told through animatics, emphasizes the importance of visual storytelling. “Cartoons and comics help people understand the world around them. They help us connect with each other.” Moreover, he says, the sequential nature of comics is great for developing reading comprehension and visual literacy, benefiting individuals of all backgrounds, including those with autism, who often find a unique connection to animation.
Neurocognitive and educational psychology studies show animation and comics significantly enhance language and cognitive skills, including problem-solving and spatial reasoning, and foster creativity. The vibrant colors, dynamic movement, and engaging storylines captivate minds, making learning an enjoyable and interactive experience.
“Visual storytelling can open up new worlds,” Law adds. He highlights that animation and comics introduce people to diverse cultures, historical events, and scientific concepts—like animated adaptations of global folktales—in a way that traditional textbooks simply can’t. This approach, he suggests, can spark a lifelong love of learning and open doors to a world of possibilities.
As Rick Law emphasizes, the concept of using animation for educational purposes is not new. “Walt Disney himself was a pioneer in this,” Law states, “using his Disneyland television program to make complex ideas easy to understand with animated segments like ‘Our Friend the Atom’ and the ‘Man in Space’ series, demonstrating the power of animation to reach a wide audience.” This legacy of using animation for education continues to be a valuable tool, proving its enduring impact across generations.
Conclusion
From educational programs featuring beloved animated characters to graphic novels that explore historical events, the potential for visual storytelling in education is vast. In an increasingly digital age, with the rise of interactive platforms, we can expect to see even more innovative and engaging ways to utilize these mediums in the classroom and beyond. Educators and creators who fully embrace these mediums are shaping a future where learning is more engaging, accessible, and inclusive than ever.