Multimodal Literacies MOOC’s Updates

The Transformative Power of Podcasts in Multimodal Literacies Pedagogy

Multimodal literacy, which involves understanding and creating meaning by combining different forms of literacy, including visual, auditory, and oral literacy, is an important aspect of education. An example of a curriculum resource that combines sound and oral meaning with reading and writing is the use of podcasts in English classes. Podcasts provide an opportunity for students to engage with multimodal texts by integrating spoken word, music, and sound effects to convey information and tell stories. Several aspects emerge when this example is analyzed through the lens of diverse literacy pedagogies. First, using podcasts requires students to interpret and understand spoken word, music, and sound effects, encouraging a deeper understanding of how these different modes work together to create meaning.  This is consistent with the concept of multimodal analysis, which emphasizes the need for students to carefully observe and analyze the different modes present in a text, without making judgments or interpretations. Additionally, teaching students how to analyze podcasts and other multimodal texts is essential to developing multimodal competencies. Just as explicit instruction is provided in the close reading of traditional texts, students also need explicit instruction to gain the ability to analyze and create meaning through a variety of methods. This approach extends traditional notions of literacy, which have historically focused on printed texts, to include the ability to critically view and create meaning in a variety of forms. In summary, the use of podcasts in English language arts classrooms demonstrates aspects of multimodal literacy pedagogy by requiring students to engage with and analyze different modes of meaning. This approach not only improves students' understanding of how meaning is constructed through sound and oral elements, but also aligns with a broader shift toward diverse literacies in education.

  • Shayma Nheri
  • Devi Puspita
  • Angelo Oliveria