Multimodal Literacies MOOC’s Updates
example of curriculum resources
One example of a curriculum resource that engages learners in meaning-making texts that move between images and writing is the book "The Mysteries of Harris Burdick" by Chris Van Allsburg. This book consists of a series of intriguing illustrations, each accompanied by a title and a single sentence that provides a glimpse into a potential story. Students are asked to use their imaginations to create their own stories based on the images and the short prompts. This activity encourages students to think creatively and to make connections between the visual and written aspects of the text.
Another example is the website "The Learning Network" from The New York Times, which offers a range of lesson plans and activities that involve integrated, multimodal learning. For example, one lesson plan titled "Tell Your Own 'True Story' with Photos" asks students to choose a photograph and write a short story based on the image. This activity encourages students to make connections between visual and written forms of storytelling, and to consider how different modes of communication can work together to create a more powerful message.
Experiences like these highlight the power of synaesthesia and integrated, multimodal learning by allowing students to engage with texts in a more holistic way. By shifting between different modes of communication, such as images and writing, students are able to make connections and develop a deeper understanding of the text. This type of learning also encourages creativity and helps students to think outside of the box, which can lead to more innovative and interesting ideas. Additionally, integrating different modes of communication can be especially beneficial for students who may struggle with traditional forms of learning, such as reading and writing, by allowing them to express their ideas in different ways
Texts accompanied by illustrations, pictures and maps are effective multimodal learning systems