Multimodal learning is very similar to the theory of Multiple Intelligences, by Dr. Howard Gardner I learned about when I was studying for my Bachelor of Arts degree and majoring in Education. Multimodal learning employs different components (visual, audio, kinesthetic, literary) during the learning process to help us understand and remember more. By combining these different components, learners experience learning in a variety of ways to create a diverse learning style.

I would like to discuss the use of video learning as a concept of multimodal learning. Video learning already involves many of the concepts of multimodality naturally, and they can be included all at the same time without losing anything about the overall concept you’re trying to learn. For example, I could design a video to teach others how to create a document in Microsoft Word. The video could include: a literary component (the transcript of the video), an audio one (my voice over instructions as I’m demonstrating steps), a kinesthetic/movement one (learner follows along with video steps), and a visual one (me going through one step at a time). One of the advantages of using a video is that the different types of learners are all able to understand the context because the video format does not subscribe to only one particular learning style. It is multimodal.

Learning assessments can be multimodal too. Instead of a traditional assessment like a multiple choice quiz, learners can submit presentations in various formats (audio, video, Microsoft PowerPoint, etc.) to be assessed by the instructor. Or feedback can be provided by the other class participants. “Setting multimodal assignments lets learners get creative, and encourages them to use different parts of their brain. Cognitive Learning Theory suggests that when learners are actively involved in their own learning, they retain more of their training, so multimodal assignments are likely to create better results.” (C., 2022).

Through Multimodal Learning, the learners “become more active participants in selecting their learning methods, which may lead to a stronger motivation to study new information.” (Parmley, 2002) Blending learning modes can lead to improved understanding, recollection, and comprehension.

Lastly, video training doesn’t always have to go through an employer or a university nowadays either. With the internet, we can look up videos on virtually any topic and instantaneously get suggested content from YouTube, TikTok, Reddit, and other online communities that are relevant to your topic of interest. It is informal education, but we are all still able to learn from videos others have posted.

References:

C. (2022, April 6). Multimodal Learning: Engaging Your Learner’s Senses. LearnUpon. https://www.learnupon.com/blog/multimodal-learning

Parmley, L. (2022, September 23). Multimodal Learning in Digital Training. Course Method. https://coursemethod.com/multimodal-learning-in-digital-training.html