The Effect of Dynamic and Static Visuals on the Recall and Comprehension of Information Using Computer-Based Instruction

This study refutes the large body of research which provides strong evidence that static illustrations do facilitate learning for computer-based instruction. It further specifies that the conditions where animated visuals appear to facilitate learning are when the visual animated graphics are properly designed to be congruent to the context of the text content being presented, the visual animated graphics use motion as a critical attribute or for drawing the learners’ attention to specific learning material, and the material is sufficiently complex that a verbal description alone is not adequate to cause the learner to form internal visual images to help structure the information. However, the case for animated graphics was not supported based on the results of this study.