Allowing Choice for Engagement
Multimodal activities aren’t just about keeping students from dozing off; they’re about tapping into different ways of learning and expressing ideas. We’re talking about projects that let students create, share, and analyze through videos, podcasts, blogs, and more. It’s like giving them a whole new set of tools—suddenly, they can pursue whatever creative endeavor they have in mind.
The Philosophy of “Replace, Don’t Add”
When it comes to jazzing up the learning experience with multimodal activities, there’s a golden rule to live by: “replace, don’t add.” The idea here is pretty straightforward but absolutely genius. Instead of piling on more assignments and making that to-do list even longer for students, we swap out some of the more traditional, yawn-inducing tasks with something a bit more engaging. Think of it as upgrading from a flip phone to the latest smartphone; you’re enhancing the experience without adding extra weight to your pockets. This approach reduces the workload and allows for a more focused exploration of the course content through diverse formats. Offering students the option to choose between a paper and a project can also cater to different learning preferences.
Empowering Student Choice
Giving students a choice in their topic, format, or style not only tailors the learning experience to their interests and skills but also promotes deeper engagement. Some might prefer the traditional essay; others might shine when they’re putting together a digital story or podcast. Whether it’s through a video, podcast, digital storytelling, or an interactive presentation, connecting the project to personal or professional interests can make the learning process more meaningful. This flexibility means that students can play to their strengths or challenge themselves with something new, all the while staying aligned with the course’s learning objectives.
Building Towards the Big Assignment
Getting students ready for a big, shiny multimodal project is a bit like training for a marathon—you don’t just wake up one day and run the whole 26.2 miles. You start small, maybe jogging a mile or two, and build up from there. Similarly, diving straight into a complex multimodal project without a warm-up is likely to leave students feeling more overwhelmed than inspired. That’s where the beauty of a stepwise approach comes in.
The Drafting Process
Start by introducing mini-assignments or exercises that focus on different aspects of the final project. For instance, if the end goal is a documentary-style video, begin with tasks like creating a short audio recording, drafting a storyboard, or analyzing a clip from a professional documentary. These bite-sized activities serve as practice runs, letting students dip their toes in various skills they’ll need later on.
Feedback during these stages is like having a coach in your corner, giving pointers and cheering you on. It’s not just about pointing out what needs improvement; it’s also about acknowledging the leaps and bounds they’re making. This feedback loop helps students understand where they’re rocking it and where they might need to put in a bit more elbow grease. Plus, it opens up a dialogue between you and your students, creating a supportive environment where they feel comfortable taking risks and asking for help.
Reflective Elements
Require a reflective piece alongside the project. This insight into the student’s thought process and challenges faced during the project can be incredibly informative for evaluation purposes, providing context to their work.
Teaching the Tools
Dedicate some time to teaching and familiarizing your students with the digital tools necessary for their projects. Being able to troubleshoot with students shows your commitment to their learning and ensures that technological hurdles do not impede their creative expression.
Lead by Example
Consider creating a project yourself. Experiencing the assignment firsthand can improve your assignment design, increase your empathy for students, and enhance the feedback you provide. Your example can also inspire and guide students in their own projects.
Sharing and Learning
Create opportunities for students to share their work with the class. This collaborative aspect encourages learning from peers, sparking inspiration and fostering a sense of community within the classroom.
Using a Rubric
Develop and share a rubric that outlines your expectations. A well-constructed rubric can guide students towards producing interesting work and provide them with actionable feedback, making the learning outcomes clear from the outset.
Multimodal Activity Ideas
- Digital Storytelling Projects: Students select a topic of interest and craft a digital story incorporating video, audio, and images. This activity promotes in-depth research, storytelling ability, and technical skills.
- Podcast Production: Student groups create podcasts on various topics, blending discussion and analysis to engage with current or historical events and theories. This enhances teamwork, critical thinking, and oral communication skills.
- Infographic Design: Learners design infographics to simplify and communicate complex information on topics such as social issues, scientific concepts, or statistical data, combining content knowledge with visual design skills.
- Blog Writing: Students maintain blogs on subjects related to their course, critically engaging with content through regular posts that analyze, reflect on, or explore course themes, fostering engaging and reflective writing skills.
- Interactive Presentations: Teams design dynamic presentations on chosen topics, integrating various media and interactive elements to argue a point or propose solutions, encouraging analytical and presentation skills.
- Virtual Reality (VR) Projects: Students develop or engage with VR projects simulating professional scenarios or abstract concepts, aiming to develop practical skills, empathy, and decision-making abilities in a virtual setting.
- Advanced Data Visualization: Students tackle complex data sets, using specialized software to create visual representations that highlight trends, patterns, or insights, focusing on technical acumen and clear communication.
- Digital Portfolios: Individuals compile digital portfolios that reflect their work, growth, and achievements, supported by reflective narratives that encourage self-evaluation and digital presentation skills.
- Policy Brief Writing: Students craft detailed policy briefs on pressing issues, employing thorough research and analytical skills to advocate for specific actions or changes, enhancing their persuasive writing and policy analysis skills.
- Educational Simulation Design: Learners design and execute simulation games or activities that address educational objectives, applying theories of engagement and learning to create effective teaching tools.
- Wiki Projects for Collaborative Research: Students across disciplines contribute to a class wiki on a broad topic, each adding content based on their research and interests. This enhances research skills, collaborative writing, and digital literacy.
- Peer Teaching Videos: Students create short teaching videos on selected topics, then share them with classmates for review and discussion. This method reinforces mastery of content and develops communication skills.
- E-portfolios for Capstone Projects: Students compile digital portfolios that include various artifacts (papers, projects, presentations) they have created over the course, reflecting on their growth and learning outcomes.
References
Bruff, D. (2019). Intentional Tech: Principles to Guide the Use of Educational Technology in College Teaching. West Virginia University Press.
