Meet CALS: The Center for Applied Learning Science
A playful animated introduction to WGU Labs' Center for Applied Learning Science (CALS), featuring an interactive conversation between a presenter (in real life, not present) and an animated brain character who explains the organization's mission to improve student success through learning science research.
- Client
- WGU
- Year
- 2018
- Role
- Animator and Illustrator
- Category
- Animation
- Technologies
- Adobe AfterEffects, Adobe Illustrator
This whimsical explainer video introduces CALS—the Center for Applied Learning Science at WGU Labs—through a clever back-and-forth dialogue between a live presenter and an animated brain character with a charming Australian accent. The brain serves as both comedic sidekick and knowledgeable guide, responding to cues from the presenter in a carefully choreographed exchange that keeps viewers engaged while delivering substantive information about the organization's work.
The animation explains CALS's core mission: empowering students to continue their education, graduate successfully, and find new pathways to achievement. The brain outlines how the team studies learning science and applies rigorous research to develop scalable solutions for WGU and partner institutions. Specific initiatives highlighted include products that introduce students to growth mindset principles for approaching difficult tasks, as well as tools for identifying and encouraging effective learning behaviors.
The video also showcases the interdisciplinary nature of CALS teams, which bring together designers, writers, artists, software engineers, and QA testers—humorously referred to as "pandas," with the team expanding to include "penguins and otters." This playful metaphor reinforces the collaborative, creative culture while putting out a call for new talent. Bookended by comedic moments—the brain needing coffee to wake up and the presenter dropping something on his foot—the piece balances professionalism with personality, making learning science accessible and the team approachable.