As a teacher working with non-English speakers, I will be using multimodal knowledge representations to assist my students in their learning process. The resources will be placed on a LMS with a variety of digital resources like definitions, core notes, PowerPoint presentations, PowerPoint presentations in ‘pdf’ format and upload complementary short videos/animations.

This approach intends to meet the needs of different learning styles and scaffolding of learning. The definitions provide students with basic description of processes, concepts and processes. The core notes are condensed version of prescribed content and include are colour-coded (highlighted) scientific terminology, complemented with colourful diagrams, illustrations and flow charts which provides additional cognitive support. These resources are designed to prevent “cognitive overload” (Moreno & Mayer, 2007). The official PowerPoint format allows students to learn the content through sequential display of content through animation allowing for the Flipped classroom methodology. The same PowerPoint presentations are converted into Adobe pdf format which may be useful in review and/ or study purposes. Videos/animations allow students to frequently hear scientific terms and placed in context through associated pictures/ graphics/illustrations. Similarly, some animations also provide complete text, making it easier to for students to connect what they hear and promote a rapid acquisition. Finally, students will be provided with unique videos using the Edpuzzle platform. The videos / animations are edited, narration added (if required), open-ended questions and MCQs added to generate complex learning resource (https://edpuzzle.com/)

When creating a multimodal learning environment, it should meet the requirements of interactivity and some design principle (Moreno & Mayer, 2007). The next level would be for students to become active participants by creating their own digital resources. Consequently, as students become the creators it would hopefully promote a deeper understanding.

In conclusion, a significant advantage of using multimodal strategies for teaching and learning as it allows students to switch from one mode to another to ensure effective learning and consequently knowledge making. This provides numerous schemas in which the knowledge is constructed and should lead to long memory acquisition and a deeper understanding.

References:

https://edpuzzle.com/. “Make any video your lesson”.

Moreno, R. & Mayer, R. (2007). Interactive Multimodal Learning Environments Special Issue on Interactive Learning Environments: Contemporary Issues and Trends. Educ Psychol Rev 19:309–326. DOI 10.1007/s10648-007-9047-2.