Multimodal Literacy: An Introduction

MAIN ARGUMENT 

It's time to catch up to keep kids from dipping out.

That is to say, in the article Multimodal Literacy: An Introduction, the authors indicate if an educator isn't already considering enhancing the classroom experience by combining traditional studies with multimodal technologies, students are less likely to relate to, critically understand, or readily participate in lessons.

RECOGNIZING THE ROLE OF MULTIMODALITY

Awakening Imagination

To quote the article - "We know that when people are actively engaged with inquiry, have a desire to learn new things, and try out different digital, visual, musical, spatial, dramatic (and so on) tools and techniques, they have the potential to say and do things that we have never before imagined."

If we do not incorporate those tools used at home that awaken the imagination, students essentially step back in time upon entering the classroom. 

PHILOSOPHICALLY ALIGNED

Variety is the Key to Success

The fundamental philosophical orientation of multimodal literacy educators is - "children (and adults) learn best when engaged in complex, socially constructed, personally relevant, creative composition and interpretation of texts that incorporate a variety meaningful communicative modes or symbol systems."

LEARNING THROUGH THE ARTS

Multiple Perspectives

Educational philosophers Maxine Greene and Elliot Eisner encourage incorporating the arts (paintings, films, concerts etc.) into education to open students to various perspectives, thoughts or reflections on what they're studying.  I tend to agree that introducing at artistic approach to learning may better grasp a student's attention and encourage an interest in a topic they may not have considered interesting.  For some, music may spark the imagination, for others color, and yet others may be intrigued by performance.  If a student can relate on an artistic level, they may feel less intimidated on an elevated academic level by a topic.

MULTIMODAL BENEFITS

Trio of Reasons for Multimodal Reading and Writing

• Imaginative Ideas

According to Beth Olshansky, multimodal reading and writing encourages students to free their minds "to discover images and make meaning out of their own abstract creations". 

• Descriptive Discussion 

Olshansky concluded that students who participated in multimodal exercises were better prepared to describe what they retained.  She stated, "literacy, as experienced with and through the arts, was engaging, supportive and allowed more informed, precise and descriptive talk".

• Improved Comprehension

Research entitled Critical Links: Learning in the Arts and Student Academic and Social Development sites multiple studies that indicate students taught through a multimodal curriculum better understand the theories being taught.  The curriculum enables children "to understand stories more deeply through informed viewing of art".

BLOGGING AND MULTIMODAL THEORY

Four Good Reasons

• Materiality

By blogging, various resources can be used to express context and share point of view.  Bloggers are not limited to just written or typed characters on paper.

• Framing

Bloggers are privy to multiple options in display, from pictures to text and font styles.

• Design

Bloggers can be creative in how to display their content, images, sound and more.

• Production 

Bloggers can easily edit, re-edit and arrange the points they're trying to make with adequate visual or audio aids to deliver lessons and messages.
 

LEARNING FROM STUDENTS

What Their Work Indicates About Them 

Not all students enjoy the same socio-economic, physical or emotional background.  They differ in the way they absorb information.  They communicate in countless ways.  When students can artistically and technologically express themselves, they may rely on what they've learned outside of school to make their point.  Getting insight on what influences students outside of school is a way to better understand a student's individual needs. 

 

Courtesy of:

Multimodal Learning Through Media: What the Research Says [Cisco]

 

WHY USE TECHNOLOGY?

 Why Not?

Your students are already engaged in the use of technology.  They come to school prepared to be challenged in a technological way.  Students who are unengaged have little reason to pay attention or excel.

MULTIMODAL LITERACY & THE 21ST CENTURY

Expand Beyond Traditional

The article indicates that the technology already exists and now is the time to use it for more than entertainment purposes. It's time to enhance education with technology.  "We do not include technology because we should, but because it allows for greater participation, collaboration and distribution of knowledge."
 

PROJECT INTRIGUE 

Backpack Lesson

 I think it would be cool to adapt this into a traveler's lesson.  Switch out backpack with luggage.  As you travel through each day, what are your essentials?  What must you leave room for to take back home?  Travelers prepare for climate and environment.  How would your student prepare for the geographies of their individual classrooms?  Just like the backpack, what would students literally and figuratively  have to pack for the trip?

IDENTIFIABLE CHALLENGES

Technically, I'm clueless

 Been there, done that.  I've been the one to utter those words.  I can't do that technical stuff.  My theory?  You ask your students to try something new, learn something new, be confident each day.  If it's not too much to ask of them, maybe it's not too much to ask of ourselves.

PREPPING STUDENTS

Eliminating Excuses

In a global world, students will have to adapt to multiple ways of communication and extended learning expectations.  When you eliminate surprises, introduce new technologies at all times, you eliminate the excuse that trying new things is something to fear.