Multimodal Text Analysis and Text Production Tasks In Stage 2 English Pathways

Defining Multimedia (of art, education etc) using more than one medium of expression or communication

Defining Multimodal What are multimodal texts? A text may be defined as multimodal when it combines two or more semiotic systems. There are five semiotic systems in total: Linguistic Visual Audio Gestural Spatial

Examples of Multimodal Texts a picture book, in which the textual and visual elements are arranged on individual pages that contribute to an overall set of bound pages a webpage, in which elements such as sound effects, oral language, written language, music and still or moving images are combined a live ballet performance, in which gesture, music, and space are the main elements. Multimodal texts can be delivered via different media or technologies. They may be live, paper, or digital electronic.

Why multimodal in English Pathways? Increases student engagement Provides variety in the tasks available to students Engages students who have different learning styles Presents opportunities for students to excel Provides variety in what we mark!

Text Production Tasks Filmed monologues Advertisements (audio-visual) Photo stories Animations Podcasts Brochures and Leaflets Web sites

Text Analysis Tasks Brochures/Leaflets Photo stories Podcasts Oral Presentations with supporting visuals “Director’s” commentary on segment of film Analytical web pages

Hints and Tips Try to distribute your multimodal tasks across the year rather than ‘clumping’ them Give students an option to complete tasks either in written form or multimodal form Show students examples of the multimodal form if possible Don’t spend too much time teaching how to use the software Draft transcripts rather than the completed work Ensure students submit work burnt to DVD in a common file format (MP3/4, MOV, WMV etc)