Don’t Forget the Power of 3D Machinima
One creative element of 3D Virtual Immersive Environments that many people tend to forget is the power to create machinima.
“Machinima is the use of real-time graphics rendering engines, mostly three-dimensional (3-D), to generate computer animation. The term also refers to works that incorporate this animation technique.” Wikipedia Definition.
Recently, Ariella Furman a Machinimatographer at Framedin3D emailed me to explain that with machinima, you can increase learning and collaboration on almost any topic. What it allows you to do without elaborate cinematic sets or budgets is to be able to tell a story cinematically. Learners then get to know the characters in ways you otherwise wouldn’t wrap your mind around. The machinima stories connect with the learners using mulitiple senses. The machinimatographer records sound and visuals, then compiles the story strategically for learning results. (She also mentioned in her blog she doesn’t like the Wikipedia definition of Machinima.)
The great thing about machinima is that it has no limitations. Anything you can imagine, can be achieved. Messages and learning events can be encapsulated in intriguing and unique ways.
Check out this great machinima done for IBM by Ariella and the team at Framedin3D that describes requirements planning. I think it makes some very abstract concepts, very real.
IBM Episode 6 from Ariella Furman on Vimeo.
Here is another interesting machinima illustrating the concept of “data”. Again, machinima has the real ability to allow the learner to visualize abstract concepts and ideas and to make what seems intangible, tangible and “real.” It can illustrate concepts in the way few other media can because of its versatility and cost effectiveness.
Visualization of Data from Ariella Furman on Vimeo.
To learn more about the process and concepts behind Machinimia check out Framedin3D’s blog.
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Hey Karl!
Thank you so much for featuring my work! I think machinima's use in education can be a strong asset to learning.
Andrew, I'm really interested in the work you did for DMV- that sounds amazing! Is there a way I can contact you to talk about similar experiences? I am really thankful for those that are doing work in the machinima field to put it into the mainstream more.
Also, I've done a few new productions since IBM. I usually go ahead and post those up on my site http://www.Framedin3D.com under Reel. Check 'em out, guys!
Thanks again!
Abbie, thanks for the comment, you folks are doing some great stuff at Full Sail. Tell Dr. S. I said Hi
Andrew, very interesting, will any of the driving machinimas be made public? I'd love to see them (especially as my son begins to drive)
Ariella is a great machinimist and film maker. I follow her work and I really enjoy. Hope she come back with awesome productions (had been some time since IBM work).
Some of us really do know the importance of Machinima videos. We just built over 900 of them for a very large E-learning project for the State of Vermont. These videos were used to teach students how to effectively drive within the state. The DMV will be releasing this by the end of the summer for the public. I think it will shed light on how Machinima can be used in education.
I am currently a student at Full Sail University in the EMDT program, and Dr. Seigel introduced me to your blog. You have some great insights on the idea of gaming! I've learned alot just reading through your recent posts. Machinimia is such an amazing part of virtual worlds – I completed a machinimia video with a few of my classmates in Second Life and it turned out amazing! Being able to create real life situations in virtual worlds will become more and more popular in the future! Thank you,
Abbie Toy