A framework of project-based integrated learning environment for animation design

Talent is the core competence of animation industry. In order to promote animation industry, colleges take particular responsibilities for cultivating talent of animation design. Today´s education model of animation is still simply classroom-based, “teacher-lead” and unilateral, and is not adapted to a series of demands for nurturing students´ compound abilities. Therefore, this paper proposes a framework of e-learning system named project-based integrated learning environment (PILE) for animation design. This framework is designed based on interactionism, Hill´s learning theory and project-based learning model. As the principal axis of PILE, projects are set up based on classical animation fundamentals, covered in teaching materials of animation design. The PILE is made up of three main modules, i.e., Virtualized Learning Management System (VLMS), Project-based Course Learning Platform (PCLP) and Project Files System (PFS), by using web-based information technologies. A conceptual and technical framework of PILE is provided for students of animation to experience in a comprehensive web-based integrated learning environment to improve their compound abilities (e.g., abilities of interaction, collaboration, communication), which is the targets of PILE for animation design.