Blog Entry #7: Multimodal Texts

I appreciated the differentiation of multimedia vs. multimodal in Dr. Lewis-White's PowerPoint.  I copied her list of multimodal learning so I remember it: 

Linguistic – oral and written language; vocabulary and grammar

Visual – still & moving images, colors

Auditory – music & sound effects; use of volume, pitch, and rhythm

Gestural – facial expressions and body language

Spatial – layout and organization of objects and space

While it mirrors learning styles, I find it a bit different.  For example, I didn't think about the implications of using gestures in multimedia learning- the difference between a stiff delivery and making meaning with your body on screen.  I also appreciated bringing attention to spatial intelligence, a skill that my yearbook students develop as they design pages.  Spatial intelligence is one of those skills that a teacher may model, but it takes practice to develop an eye for how to arrange objects in a space that is visually appealing and relates information helpfully.

As for obstacles to using multimedia presentations, I think of the concept of the "flipped classroom."  Multimedia lends itself to a flipped classroom, which I have been wary of since it became an educational buzzword a few years ago.  Perhaps it's a control issue for me that I need to let go, but I worry that students will not focus on lessons outside of the classroom as intently as one would in the room with a real, live teacher guiding them.  I think of my students pressing play while they scroll social media or play videogames. This may be where "multimodal" may be a solution.  Instead of simply watching a listening, perhaps they would need to be asked to do something along with it, like record a verbal summary or take guided notes.  

What are your thoughts on a flipped classroom?  Have you been able to do it?  I know most of my peers in this class are elementary teachers.  Is a flipped model doable for young learners?