I can use a various academic support in ual. In particular, there is included such as Communicating opinion, Cohesion in writing, Connect with learning resources, Researching archives online, etc.
In padlet : Here is my first thesis idea
I would like to investigate how educational animation influences children’s cognnitive learning and emotional understanding. Since digital media is widely used in education in recent years, it is important to critically examine its educational value rather than assume it is always effective. The study will evaluate educational animation through literature review, interview, survey, and content analysis, and compare it with other learning methods (such as educational toys). The aim is to understand the role of animation in educational contexts and to develop my expertise in supporting children’s learning and emotional development in the future.
In my idea, this is a effective way to analyse two educational item, ( Animation and Toy).
Week 10 was the final class of Unit 2. During this session, we mainly discussed the assignments that we needed to complete over the spring break.
The first assignment was to create a blocking animation based on an audio clip. The second was to interview an artist and reflect on what we learned from the experience.
For the animation assignment, I chose an audio clip with the message, “Go live your life.” I first recorded myself acting out the dialogue as reference footage. Using this reference, I created the blocking for the animation. Following the advice my tutor gave me earlier in the term, I focused on creating strong key poses, set keyframes first, and worked in stepped mode in the Graph Editor. I feel that this was one of my strongest blocking exercises so far, and I could clearly see my improvement.
The Professional Artist Interview
For the interview assignment, I contacted many artists during the spring break through email, LinkedIn, Instagram, and other platforms. Fortunately, one artist agreed to speak with me. Since I have been thinking a lot about how AI may change creative industries, I wanted to interview someone whose work could be greatly influenced by AI. Therefore, I chose to interview an illustrator whose warm and heartfelt artwork I have admired for a long time.
The 30-minute interview was an incredibly valuable experience. Before the meeting, I was nervous and spent a lot of time preparing questions, wondering what I should ask. However, the artist was very kind and answered every question thoughtfully, making the conversation both enjoyable and insightful.
The most memorable part of the interview was our discussion about AI. The illustrator told me that they were not overly worried about AI because they clearly understood the value of their own work. They believed that this confidence in their unique skills and creativity was something that AI could not replace.
This conversation made me reflect on my own concerns about AI. I realised that my anxiety may come from not yet fully understanding the true value of my own work and creative practice. As I continue my studies and develop my projects, I want to become more aware of the purpose and value of what I create. I believe that understanding this will help me grow not only as an animator but also as a creative professional.
During these two weeks, I had to prepare a presentation about the progress of Project 1. In Week 8, I created a PowerPoint presentation that summarized my project. Then, in Week 9, I presented my work in front of the class.
My project is about a postman as the main character. There are several reasons why I chose this idea, but the most important one is the message I want to share. Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day, but the value of that time depends on how each person chooses to spend it. Through this story, I want to encourage people to think about how they use their time.
Another reason for choosing a postman is that letters connect people with one another. Although AI technology is developing rapidly, I believe that human connections are still very important. Therefore, I decided to use a postman delivering letters as a symbol of bringing people together.
I also want to create a unique visual style for this animation. The main character was inspired by Hayao Miyazaki. In addition, I studied heartwarming storytelling by analysing films from Pixar and short films by Tonko House. My goal is to create an original animation style that combines the charm of picture books with animation.
Presentation Reflection
The presentation took place in a large museum hall outside the university. The venue was filled with many antique objects, which made it a very inspiring place. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, although it also made me feel nervous.
I had given presentations before, but this experience was different. Standing in front of a large screen under the spotlight and presenting to an audience was something I was not used to. At first, I felt quite nervous. However, after watching my classmates present their projects, I became inspired by their passion, creative ideas, and hard work. Seeing their efforts reminded me that I should focus on sharing my own project instead of worrying too much.
Fortunately, I was able to finish my presentation successfully. During the event, I carefully listened to every presentation and took notes on each project. I wanted to learn from my classmates and have meaningful conversations with them afterwards. Because I had taken notes, I was able to discuss their work in more detail, and I realised how important it is to actively engage with others’ ideas. This experience taught me that small habits, such as listening carefully and taking notes, can make a big difference in my personal growth. I would like to continue doing this in the future.
Overall, preparing for and delivering this presentation taught me many valuable lessons. I will use what I learned to improve my Final Major Project and continue working hard to create the best animation I can.
This week, I combined three different facial poses with different emotions in one shot. The emotions were angry, sad, and calm. This was very difficult for me because I had only studied each facial expression separately before.
In this task, I needed to change the facial motion and switch emotions within one shot. There was no clear reference for the full sequence, so it was more challenging. To help myself, I recorded my own face based on the real human reference I used last week and observed how the facial parts change during movement.
Even so, it was still hard for me to understand how each facial part should move smoothly between emotions. However, I want to improve facial animation in the future, so I plan to watch more tutorials on YouTube and other animation websites. This week, I also realized something important. Class is a good place to learn new knowledge from teachers, but self study is also very important for improving animation skills. I think of class as “input” and self-study as “output.” I need both to improve.
So, I want to continue practicing every day to improve my animation skills.
Heavy Object & Change of Mind (Polished)
This week, I continued working on my Heavy Object & Change of Mind animation shot. I added small details such as facial movement like eye blinks. I also added more exaggeration to the arms and legs. For example, when the character pushes the door, the arm movement becomes more smooth and slightly exaggerated by adjusting the joints. I also fixed some foot placement. Now, when the foot leaves the ground, it moves more gradually, and it also touches the ground more naturally.
My teacher said my body mechanics are good, so I should keep going. I will continue improving and adding small details. She also advised me to focus more on hand movement. For example, the hand should open gradually when it touches the door, and the fingers should react naturally when pushing or touching the surface.
In my opinion, this shot is very helpful for learning how the body moves and how body mechanics work. The story is about trying different ways to push a door, so I could explore different pushing styles and body movements. Because of this, I learned a lot from this exercise. I want to continue improving my animation skills and also strengthen my observation skills.
Qualitative and Quantitative Research methods are two established research traditions that underpin all academic articles.
Quantitative Research
Quantitative research is an empirical approach that uses numerical data and statistical analysis to test theories and explain or predict phenomena.
Use of Numerical Data: It involves measuring research variables and collecting data strictly in the form of numbers.
Statistical Analysis: It relies heavily on mathematically-based methods—specifically statistics—to analyze the collected numerical data.
Testing and Prediction: The primary goal is to empirically test theories to determine if they can accurately explain or predict social phenomena or human problems.
Qualitative Research
Qualitative research is a complex, multifaceted approach that produces findings without relying on statistical analysis or numerical quantification.
Complex to Define: Because it is rooted in many different theoretical frameworks (paradigms), qualitative research has multiple dimensions, making it difficult to capture in a single, simple definition.
Non-Numerical & Non-Statistical: The most practical working definition is based on what it is not: it is any research where the conclusions and findings are generated entirely outside of quantification (meaning it does not use math, numbers, or statistical procedures).
Epistemology: (a) Which paradigm or worldview will inform the study design?
Theoretical perspectives: (b) Who or what will be studied?
Methodology: (c) Which research strategies will be used?
Methods: Which research methods or tools will be used to collect and analyse data?
Topics including the arts, entertainment, media or technology can be viewed from one or more of these perspectives.
A literature review is an objective, critical summary of published research literature relevant to a topic under consideration for research. Its purpose is to create familiarity with current thinking and research on a particular topic, and may justify future research into a previously overlooked or understudied area.
Why write a literature review?
A literature review is important, as it provides an overview and an analytical analysis of what is known about a particular topic. It establishes and identifies:
An understanding and knowledge of a topic.
The current research in this area.
Gaps in the literature that helps justify your research.
The context for your research and illustrates how it relates to the wider research landscape in this area.
The key authors writing in this field
How to approach the literature review
One way to approach a literature review is to start out broad and then become more specific. Think of it as an inverted triangle, or a funnel. Using the funnel comparison, find:
The background information to your topic. This will identify the broader issues and research related to your topic and help you orient it, in the wider subject context.
Narrow downyour focus and identify the research that is closer to your area of research.
Focus on specific research that is directly related to your topic
Funnel approach to literature reviews
Go broad Start by looking at the broader issues around your project. Look at works that give a general overview of your topic and put it into the context of the bigger research landscape. This will show an awareness of the breadth of your subject. Narrow down Then try and focus your research on issues that are more related to your topic. Focus on the specific Look at the most relevant research that relates to your topic and spend more time discussing these key studies that are directly related to your research.
Structuring a Literature Review
Introduction: Sets the stage by defining the core theories and main ideas of the research topic.
Main Body: Organizes sources logically, moving from broad background information down to specific studies. It also points out what is missing or flawed in the current research.
Conclusion: Briefly wraps up the findings, explains how past studies support your work, and suggests next steps for future research.
1. Topic & Questions Define exactly what you want the reader to learn. Break your topic down into a logical flow of main questions and detailed sub-questions.
2. Sourcing & Critical Analysis
Source Types: Use both Primary (original artifacts, interviews, raw data) and Secondary (academic books/articles analyzing a subject). Use reliable platforms like Google Scholar.
Be Critical: Never take sources at face value. A good thesis analyzes the context and compares the different biases or perspectives of the authors.
3. The 4 Stages of Research Explore, Plan, Execute, and Finalize.
4. Planning & Structuring
Build an Argument: Structure your thesis to make a specific point; do not just list events in chronological order.
Take Control: Dictate the structure yourself—don’t let your raw notes guide you. Group relevant notes by chapter, assign supporting literature to each section, and ruthlessly cut irrelevant material.
A thesis will usually contain most or all the following sections:
Title page
A clear title or research question
Abstract
A short overview of the reasons for and the aims of the research.
Acknowledgements (Optional)
You may wish to acknowledge any significant contributions to the research from others
Contents page(s)
Examples will be provided.
Introduction
Here you should provide context for the study, briefly outline the methods of the study and establish the overall and specific objectives. The reader should clearly understand what they will learn.
Literature review
Review all the literary materials and sources you plan to use in your research, establishing how they will provide a foundation to support the enquiry and enable the study to reach viable findings and fulfil the research objectives.
Methodology
This section should review approaches and methods applied to develop findings, including any not covered in Literature review. This might include literary comparison, case studies, surveys, interviews, experiments, exhibitions and events. It should explain how these methods will generate relevant findings or results.
Themed topic chapters
This will form the main part of the discussion and the number of topics /chapters will vary. Main chapter headings should be clearly labelled e.g., Chapter 1. Contexts in Animated Documentary.
Chapter subtitles should be labelled as e.g., 1.1 Enactment and Re-enactment of Documentary, 1.2 Interview and Animated Documentary
Results/or Findings (Optional)
This section will present findings and discuss the implications. Consider the practical value your findings will provide to practitioners, educators, and other academics in your field, any ways your work can challenge existing theories and assumptions in your field.
Conclusions
Conclude the study by evaluating and reviewing the implications of the study identifying any policies that could be impacted by your findings, problems your work can potentially help to fix, or how your work might contribute to current or future research. Identify any limitations and recommendations for future research.
Reference list
List all the sources cited in your thesis. Arrange your references alphabetically by author surname.
Bibliography
List books that you have consulted but not cited. Arrange your references alphabetically by author surname. You may also require a filmography
Image list
For academic referencing, visuals are categorised as either:
Illustrations (artwork, photos, screenshots, film stills, charts, graphs etc.) or,
Tables (numbers or text in columns and rows)
Appendices
Materials such as letters or relevant documents can be presented here.
From this week, I got the information about this unit and next task and process. In particular, Thesis Proposal Approaches, Thesis Proposal Structure. These are link for these topics.
Select a Topic: Choose a motivating topic with potential impact that meets your assignment’s learning outcomes.
Define your Target: Clearly identify your Audience (who will read it) and Purpose (what you want them to know).
Plan the Research: Read the brief, break your thesis into logically ordered main questions and sub-questions, and plan your investigation.
2 Structuring the Thesis
Establish a working title and use the following 5-part structure:
Introduction: State the main issue, the topic being investigated, and the report’s purpose.
Methodology: Explain your chosen research methods, why you selected them, and how you applied them.
Literature Review: Critically evaluate the existing sources and literature that inform your research.
Investigation: Present your main discussion, options, and findings based on evidence (use citations and sub-headings).
Conclusions: Provide final takeaways or recommendations for your audience based on your findings.
Key Guidelines for Thesis & FMP
Sources: Use and properly cite academically recognized sources (books, media, etc.).
Practical Project (FMP): Base your project on your career goals. Decide how to exhibit it and whether it connects directly to your written thesis.
Format: Choose an approach (experimental or commercial) and a medium (screen, installation, interactive, AR, games, etc.).
Research Value: Define your audience. Clearly state why your research is original, important, and how it advances existing knowledge.
Assessment Focus: You will be graded on deep research (Enquiry), skill synthesis (Knowledge), experimentation (Process), clear articulation (Communication), and professional quality (Realisation).
This week, I worked on facial poses in Maya. The process was similar to last week, but I used a different type of reference. Last week, I used animation drawings and 2D sketches, but this week I used real human actor facial references. I also used a new rig character called Yuron. It looks like a child character, around 5 years old. The face is very cute, especially the eyes and mouth, which are larger compared to the rig I used last week. I really like this more stylized animation style rig.
I realized that using real human references is more difficult than using animation references. This is because the rig is stylized, but the reference is real human. So I need to exaggerate the facial shapes more to match the animation style and to show clear emotions. This was the most difficult part for me, but I tried my best.
After I submitted my work, my teacher gave me feedback. She said my eyebrows are moving too much, so I should keep them simpler, like only moving up or down slightly. She also advised me to think more about C-shape and S-shape lines, and to check which side of the face is open.
Overall, I learned a lot from this exercise.
Heavy Object & Change of Mind (Polished)
This week, I also polished my Heavy Object & Change of Mind animation shot. I fixed small details such as foot placement, timing, and spacing. For example, when the hand reaches the wall, I made the fingers gradually open and added a small scratching motion. I also adjusted the shoulder movement, so it moves slightly forward and backward depending on the body action.
I also focused on the Center of Gravity (COG), because it is very important in Maya animation. It helps make the movement look natural and smooth, so I paid close attention to it. My teacher also gave me advice. I should focus more on the COG in the hips, because the hips do not move too much in natural movement. If the hips do not move correctly, the animation can look unnatural. So I want to observe this more carefully next time.
Overall, my teacher said my work is good and I should keep improving. I was happy to hear this, and I want to continue polishing my animation with more passion.
