Kevin Norris
ENG 665/ Week Seven
Professor Rodrigo
October 7, 2014

    “Multimodal Instruction: Pedagogy and Practice for Enhancing Multimodal Composition Online”
Sherry Rankins-Robertson, Tiffany Bourelle, Andrew Bourelle, and David Fisher’s article “Multimodal Instruction: Pedagogy and Practice for Enhancing Multimodal Composition Online,” discusses why multimodals should be used in instructing online classes.
     From the beginning this is a very familiar topic for me. When I taught online, there were several means of how the information was presented to the students. First, there were pre-assessments that had students use puzzles. Second, students were shown videos and then there was the text.

 
      The introduction discussed how multimodal instruction incorporates 21st century skills. 21st century skills are one of the major objectives of Virginia Beach City Public Schools. A new pilot program called STEM is being tested this year for classroom teachers, instead of simply using technology classes.
In the multi model learning environment, students use different multimedia devices to get their rhetoric across. While teaching online over the summer, students were permitted to select from a plethora of multimedia sources. A lot of students used Moviemaker.
      The article mentions using digital portfolios. I’ve been using digital portfolios for the past eight or nine years. Like the video, I have students write reflections.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSj5MSvtYX0

The above video discusses how to use a Digital Portfolio.

     One of the main reasons for using multimodal instruction is to help retention of information. Studies have shown that if a student is able to associate information with something, they are better able to retain the information. This reminds of the MABE technique that I use for teaching vocabulary. The students are supposed to write the meaning, associate the word with something, describe why and then either draw a picture or create a sentence using the new word.
     Using multimodals adheres to most learning styles. Students are able to learn visually and kinetically.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQYW6vYSGXs

The above video discusses and demonstrates the different learning styles.

     The opposition against multimodal teaching reflects on how teachers are hesitant because they may lack the skills to develop multimedia instruction. Therefore, the article emphasizes that teacher should use already prepared multimedia presentations, which can be used over and over again.

                                  3D Game Lab
        One of the sites that I went on this week was “Creative Commons.” Apparently it is a site were you may upload information. You can rebuild and add to the information. This site may be used commercially as long as you site your sources. 
        There is another APP design class on October 10th. It is conducted by Dr. Quest. A follow up will be on October 17.