Multimodal texts and tools in preservice methods courses: From consumption to design

Bookmarked: Multimodal texts and tools in preservice methods courses: From consumption to design

https://jgregorymcverry.com/public_html/readings/Multimodal_texts_and_tools_in_preservice.pdf

Raúl Alberto Mora

One common trend in blended learning is the emphasis on the use of technological devices and
tools. However, without a strong refection on the epistemological features of technology use, all
that is left are functional solutions, aimed at solving simple, short-term problems. Practitioners
and scholars interested in blended learning must think deeply about how technology in their
teaching practices addresses contextualized realities. For the past four years, the author has
explored multimodal design with preservice and in-service teachers as a possible route toward
an epistemological stance in blended learning. This chapter presents the outcome of those
conceptual and practical experiences with multimodality and show how multimodal video essays
are a powerful option to engage novice and experienced teachers in deeper discussions about
the kind of literacies our students use in their daily lives and how they are affecting teaching
today. The chapter will first define the idea of multimodality and some key considerations that
need to be part of multimodal design and the use of digital multimodal tools. Then, the author
will summarize the experience and how the conceptual introduction to multimodality took place
as a precursor to the creation of video essays. The final section of this chapter explores how
these videos lent themselves to produce powerful texts that helped these students find their
voice and a sense of agency, along with a set of considerations for teachers and teacher
educators interested in composing digital multimodal texts.