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Heather A Ochmane-Learning Ecologies MOOC’s Updates
The concept of multimodal meaning in e-Learning Ecologies from the case of learning video games. (Discussion Forum: Essential Update #3)
The concept "multimodal-meaning" goes hand in hand with digital media as tools to design knowledge. When our ability to communicate remotely is on the same platform, that is, on the digital platform, what I can do is use different tools to create images and to create characters. Digital manufacturing allows us to produce alphabetic literacy. It allows us to produce any type of sound. It allows us to produce movement and images, simply by clicking on the same types of elements, the same manufacturing units. Never before have students had access to this potential, and these are all very powerful new possibilities for storing meaning and representing meaning.
Therefore, the concept "multimodal meaning" suggests that students understand how meaning is created with different types of text with the use of technologies.
In this case I would like to propose learning video games as a viable option for teaching humanities courses such as History. Specifically, the case of the video game “ Ako: A Tale of Loyalty ”, created in 2020, gives players an experience of a Samurai along a difficult journey through early modern Japan. This video game has allowed students to have an active and attractive experience where they themselves become social actors in history and analyze the discourses within the historical narrative.
Clulow argues that although the use and development of video games for learning are being well accepted in other educational areas, such as, for example, in programs such as Gamestar Mechanic or Scratch where K-12 students are helped to learn basic skills. coding, this is not necessarily true for humanities or social sciences classes, however, it is a practical option that is worth adopting and developing in these educational programs.
For more information see:
Clulow, A. (2021, May 17). How student-designed video games made me rethink how I teach history. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/how-student-designed-video-games-made-me-rethink-how-i-teach-history-159310
**Multimodal Meaning and Its Integration in Educational Video Games**
The concept of multimodal meaning refers to the creation and interpretation of meaning through various modes of communication, particularly in the context of digital media. In the digital era, our communication capabilities have expanded significantly, allowing for the integration of diverse tools to create images, characters, sounds, movements, and text. This multimodal approach to meaning-making is particularly potent in educational settings, as it aligns with the varied learning styles and preferences of students.
### Definition and Explanation
Multimodal meaning encompasses the use of multiple communication modes - visual, auditory, textual, and kinesthetic - to convey and interpret information. In educational contexts, this approach leverages digital media's potential to present information in varied and interactive ways. It acknowledges that meaning is not solely constructed through traditional text-based methods but can be enriched with images, audio, and interactive elements. This diversity in representation allows for more engaging and effective learning experiences.
### Example in Practice: Learning Video Games
Learning video games exemplify the application of multimodal meaning in education. These games incorporate various elements - graphics, text, sound, and interactive narratives - to create immersive learning experiences. An excellent example is “Ako: A Tale of Loyalty,” a game set in early modern Japan. This game allows players to experience the life of a Samurai, engaging them actively in the historical context. By participating in this virtual world, students don't just learn about history; they experience it, becoming social actors within the narrative. This immersive experience encourages deeper engagement with the subject matter and facilitates a more profound understanding of historical events and cultures.
### The Value of Multimodal Learning in Humanities
While the adoption of video games and other multimodal tools has been more pronounced in areas like coding education (e.g., Gamestar Mechanic, Scratch), their potential in humanities and social sciences is equally significant. In these subjects, which traditionally rely heavily on text-based learning, video games can offer a refreshing and engaging alternative. By allowing students to interact with historical events, engage with different perspectives, and analyze narratives, these games can foster critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper appreciation of the humanities.
### Conclusion
Multimodal meaning, especially through educational video games, presents a transformative opportunity in the way we approach teaching and learning. By embracing these diverse modes of communication and representation, educators can cater to different learning styles, making the learning process more engaging and effective. The use of video games in humanities education is a testament to the power of multimodal meaning in creating rich, immersive, and interactive learning experiences, demonstrating that learning can be both informative and experientially profound.