Moving Targets: The Effect of Animation on Identification of Action Word Representations

Abstract

This study examined the conditions under which action representations - presented in both static and dynamic formats - were most readily identified. Preschoolers without disabilities selected graphics corresponding to a spoken word from a computerized four-choice array. Although pre-tests confirmed that the children had all of the stimulus words in their lexical repertoires, their demonstration of that knowledge when the stimuli were presented in graphical form was less robust. The children were generally more challenged by the static representations than the dynamic ones, and their performances were most accurate with the most realistic dynamic representations. A developmental effect was noted, as children's symbol identification became more accurate across the range of representational forms as they got older.

Supporting the Communication, Language, and Literacy Development of Children with Complex Communication Needs: State of the Science and Future Research Priorities

“…For example, based on visual neuroscience research, Jagaroo and Wilkinson (2008) proposed that we may be able to exploit movement (animation) to highlight conceptual relationships (such as those enacted in verbs or prepositions). Mineo, Peischl, and Pennington (2008) found that animation did indeed positively impact children's understanding of action concepts. Shane and colleagues applied this research to develop a new set of AAC symbols, the Autism Language Program (ALP) Animated Graphics Set.…”

“…As a result, children with CCN may fall further and further behind their peers in their semantic development, at least in part, due to system constraints, specifically the learning demands imposed by traditional AAC symbols. Mineo et al (2008) explained: "We may underestimate an individual's underlying competence if we fail to use appropriate representations as the means to tap into and evaluate this competence, and we may inhibit learning if we use inappropriate representations as the scaffold on which to build." (p. 162).…”

Applying Technology to Visually Support Language and Communication in Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…Although some limited sets of animated symbols have been available for many years (Zangari et al 1994), they have received limited usage and there has been no investigation of their efficacy conducted until recently. In a recent study, Mineo et al (2008) reported that non-disabled preschoolers identified symbols for actions better when they were animated rather than static. Recently, completed a study with nondisabled preschoolers across three age groups to determine the effects of animation on guessing, naming, and identifying graphic symbols for verbs and prepositions.…”

Design goals for a system for enhancing AAC with personalized video

“…Findings suggest that cartoon animations of action words are easier to recognize than static icons [10,11]; black-and-white video is easier to recognize than animated line drawings [8]; and animation accelerates learning of static icons [4]. Finally, work by Light & McNaughton [6] suggests that personalization and "just-in-time" capture of language concepts should be key priorities for future AAC systems.…”