There is a plethora of digital tools in contemporary times that use multimodal literacies for educational purposes. BrainPOP is an educational website that provides instructions in Literacy, Math, Science and Social Studies using animated videos, quizzes, activities and interactive games. This innovative learning resource is through paid subscriptions for students, teachers, parents, schools, and other education personnel. Some studies indicate that BrainPOP helps engage students in their literacy acquisition activities (Rohan, 2023; Rosen et al, 2022).

Teachers who have BrainPOP subscriptions use it frequently to engage students across disciplines (Rosen et al, 2022). BrainPOP’s intentional design comprises elementary-level vocabulary, and simple and scaffolded explanations accompanied by visuals and humor. This combination aids in brain-based learning for the students making learning experiential, meaningful and conceptual-based (Rohan, 2023; Rosen et al, 2022). The quizzes and interactive games allow students to analyze and apply their learning (Rohan, 2023; Rosen et al, 2022). This specifically benefits ESL and EFL students in literacy learning and implementation (Rohan, 2023; Rosen et al, 2022).

Rahmawati et al (2019), in their study, found that BrainPOP’s graphic organizers helped a group of eleventh-grade students improve their writing skills (Rahmawati et al, 2019). This is another example of how experiential, conceptual, analytical and application-based literacy learning. Rohan (2022), in her study, found that BrainPOP helped build the efficacy in literacy learning of ESL students. It also helped in literacy learning and application in Math and Science disciplines (Rohan, 2023). Hilčenko (2011) found that reading comprehension improved in the students in his study who used BrainPOP more than those who did not.

All the above examples show a correlation between the use of multimodal literacy resources, BrainPOP, and improved literacy learning outcomes. For 21st-century learners, those learning engagements and activities are successful which engage them meaningfully and purposefully by giving them experiential experiences and opportunities for conceptual learning, critical analysis and application of learning to novel situations.


References

BrainPOP. 2024. About Who We Are. https://about.brainpop.com/

Hilčenko, Ph D. Slavoljub. Teaching geometrical bodies in elementary school–a model of animated movie with direct manipulation of animation process.

Rahmawati, Rahmawati, and Nunung Anugrawati. Using Paragraph Graphic Organizer from Brainpop Web to Improve the Writing Ability of the Eleventh Grade Students of SMA Datuk Ribandang. Journal of Computer Interaction in Education 2.2 (2019): 69-80.

Rohan, Emma. (2022). Bridging the Gap Between Language and Content: Teachers’ Views on Technology. In BSU Honors Program Theses and Projects. Item 590. Available at: https://vc.bridgew.edu/honors_proj/ 590

Rosen, Y., Rushkin, I., Hubert, B., Hogan, M., & Dawood, M. (2022). Efficacy Research Report: The Effects of BrainPOP and BrainPOP Jr. on Learning Outcomes in Literacy, Math and Science.

• Shraddha Goyal

Edward De Bono’s 6 thinking hats provide the opportunity to engage in the four knowledge processes. For instance, learners inquiring into Science-based unit on energy can use the hats for experiencing, conceptualising, analysing an applying prior and new learning related to energy.

• Shraddha Goyal

TED-Ed as an Innovative Learning Resource

I am fond of watching TED Talks on YouTube during my spare time and sometimes when I am doing something, I just listen to it through Spotify so it wouldn’t require me to look at the screen and I can get ample knowledge out of it by merely listening. Little did I know that there is an innovative literacy learning resource associated with it which is the TED-Ed. Through research, I have found that it is a platform for educators to share value by creating interactive lessons. There are a lot of topics discussed, assessments like quizzes, and many other learning resources integrated with it which teachers can customize depending on the learning objectives. This is also within global reach so learners can collaborate by sharing their ideas with each other which enhances their practical skills such as communication and collaboration skills. Hence, promoting inclusivity and diversity because anyone can learn regardless of their race or geographical location. Learners may have different languages, cultures, and beliefs but one thing they have in common is their willingness to learn through interaction- there are translations available so no one will be left behind. Moreover, it also has data analytics which is beneficial for teachers to track the progress of their students. The data insights would identify the areas that need improvement, the activities that are effective, the lessons that students engage in the most, etc., urging the teacher to adjust their instruction accordingly or focus on the students’ needs. It is innovative because there is no such thing as interactive learning on a global scale like this. This has emerged because of the advancement of technology which is beneficial in today’s world as we are highly dependent on it. Therefore, TED-Ed's innovative features include personalized options for creating lessons, an interactive learning environment, a collaborative community, data analytics for teachers, and global access. These aspects make the learning experience match with the modern teaching styles, making it a valuable and innovative resource for all stakeholders of online learning.

https://www.ted.com/about/programs-initiatives/ted-ed#:~:text=The%20TED%2DEd%20platform%20allows,class%20or%20an%20individual%20student.

• Elaine Asico

The chapter is very critical to building functional learners. Many students find it difficult to transit through the four domains of pedagogical literacy as many teachers love and dwell in some domains, I believe the selected domains might be more comfortable. However, an understanding of the usefulness of each domain potentially propels teachers to navigate through a class. Also, critically minded learners usually push through the boundaries of these domains, which may benefit other learners who only follow the teachers.

• Abolaji Azeez

Many believe that speaking should come before writing, especially when it comes to learning. As children, we first learn how to talk, and only later do we start to learn how to write. This means that writing should be just as enjoyable as reading, not something that feels tiring or dull. It's important that writing is seen as a fun activity, similar to how we enjoy getting lost in a good story. It shouldn't be seen as a hard or boring task that takes away our creativity and interest.

Starting with speech makes sense because it's how we naturally begin communicating. When we talk, we express our thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Writing then builds on this foundation. This shows how closely linked speaking and writing are. They work together, each one supporting the other. This also means that learning to write can be a natural and enjoyable process, just like learning to talk was when we were young.

Understanding this connection helps us see that writing is a powerful way to express ourselves. It's not just a task we have to do, but a tool we can use to share our thoughts and stories. When we approach writing with this mindset, it becomes something that empowers us rather than something that feels like a chore. So, by valuing both speaking and writing, we can become more confident and effective communicators.

• April Ann Pesino

Innovation in Education

As a student, one of the best learning resources that I have been use and encountered during my learning process is the Coursera. This online platform does not only let the student read information but also interact with other peers from different countries. This is a platform where students can learn various topics that can help them to strengthen their vocabulary, and knowledge, develop their critical thinking skills, and enhance their technical skills in using both technology and online media. And it is really helpful as a student because I can able to learn online with the help of other individuals learning in coursera through interacting with them in the discussion and comment section as well adopt their insights through sharing their point of views, making me to understand the topic discussed.

I am considering this as an innovative online application because of its flexibility and the idea that it helps students in different fields. Coursera gives an opportunity for every individual to have access to online courses from various schools, universities, and leading companies. This makes students to adopt various skills and knowledge thought by different proffessor in an online learning setting. It also test and assess here how depth the understanding gained by the learners, test their ability to read and comprehend others works, and it helps to improve their writing skills through having some online test, online sharing of concepts, and online grading of other peers.

Some of its advantages also are:
Student can choose and decide their learning space
Student can keep working while enrolled on the subject
Student can learn from top universities
The schedule of the subjects are flexible so student can learn at their own pace
Individual can exchange thought and connect with peers through global network
Individual can get certificate after finishing the course

These are one of the reason why for me, coursera is one of the innovative, efficient and meaningful learning resources. This is really beneficial for the individuals who wants to learn various topics and skills. This online platform does not limit individual into only one course but introduces them into different courses to enrolled and various topics to learn. It does not only improve their knowledge into subject matter but their skills in communicating, sharing, comprehending information, understanding meaning between line and it contribute to their individual growth: mentally, socially, culturaly and emotionaly.

• Venus Naomi Dauran

As a student, some of the learning material we used are mobile phone, laptop and online platforms. These assist us in our everyday task: doing paper works, having online class, searching for information, and connecting to other people. While on the other hand, the teacher have the artificial intelligence wherein it is being used in automating like to automate the grading subjects of students, providing feedback, giving activities, and so much more. Because of this advancement, both of the students and teachers can do their task more efficiently and meaningfully.

• Venus Naomi Dauran

As a student, some of the learning material we used are mobile phone, laptop and online platforms. These assist us in our everyday task: doing paper works, having online class, searching for information, and connecting to other people. While on the other hand, the teacher have the artificial intelligence wherein it is being used in automating like to automate the grading subjects of students, providing feedback, giving activities, and so much more. Because of this advancement, both of the students and teachers can do their task more efficiently and meaningfully.

• Venus Naomi Dauran

Use of tablets/iPads is commonly used for educational purposes. These electronic devices offer several advantages as well as disadvantages. One of the main advantages is that money for producing paper textbooks can be saved by using them in digital format through a tablet. According to Britannica (2018), these are some of the key advantages and disadvantages about using tablets apart from being a replacement of textbooks:
Advantages:
Tablets help students learn more material faster.
Tablets help to improve student achievement on standardized tests.
Tablets contain many technological features that cannot be found in print textbooks.
Print textbooks are heavy and cause injuries, while a tablet only weighs 1-2 pounds.
On a tablet, e-textbooks can be updated instantly to get new editions or information.
Disadvantages:
Handheld technological devices including tablets are associated with a range of health problems.
Using tablets is more expensive than using print textbooks.
Tablets have too many distractions for classroom use.
People who read print text comprehend more, remember more, and learn more than those who read digital text.
Many students do not have sufficient home internet bandwidth to use tablets.
In general, tablets are valuable sources for developing literacy skills but these devices can have a negative impact on the environment, health and personal finance.
There are two issues that educators need to bear in mind when it comes about using tablets/iPads, learners are to be focused and connected. On one hand, learners are to be focused, in order to engage deeply with a particular text just as if it would be a paperback. On the other hand, learners are to be connected, which implies to treat texts as nodes in a network of information; where learners are engaged with the text by reading it collectively and participatory through social technologies that allow sharing notes, highlighting passages, formulating questions and exposing ideas (MindShift, 2013).
Use of tablets/iPads has a big pedagogical scope that if they are properly used their advantages can outweight their disadvantages, since they are useful resources to develop literacy skills for the needs of the present time.

https://tablets-textbooks.procon.org/
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/28640/the-future-of-tablets-in-education-potential-vs-reality

• Alberto Emmanuel Conti Morales

I love this piece of article since i have a great passion for methodology and how teachers can deliver new concepts to make learning fun , exciting and effective . Example teacher Math, Literacy or any other subject i try to be creative and incorporate or integrate the arts (music, dance and drama or a video.
I dont believe in just giving the pupils work from a textbook where they just receive the content but teaching them the skills and helping them to understand the various concepts taking them from the known to the unknow where the pupils are also involve in discussions or interactive sessions. to meet each learner style of learning
In teaching one size do not fit all you have to bring it out in your classroom.
Pupils are give problem solving sums, scenarios or stories to develop their reason ing skills or analyze a particular event or to think critically.

sometimes they are given a sentence or a paragraph to identify or discuss a particular meaning of a word before looking into the dictionary for the meaning..
Nevertheless i always believe is how the teacher deliver her concept that makes a difference in the classroom.

• Natasha Van Lewin Troyer