Week 7 - Assignment 1 - Article Reflection

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Theories and Practices of Multimodal Education
In this article Hassett and Curwood explore and analyze the use of multimodal texts with literacy learning in the classroom. It is understood that today children’s literature and text in general has expanded to include multiple modes of representation beyond the written word. Text features, interactive narration and images are a source of creativity and deeper knowledge construction. The alphabetic print is no longer the primary carrier of meaning and representation. Each element of a picture book signifies something and can have many possible meanings. Educators must assume new roles such as: resource manager, co-constructer of knowledge and design consultant in order to facilitate children’s navigation of multimodal texts.  Students should learn to decode and comprehend alphabetic print in conjunction with other forms of representation. With the right support and proper engagement in multimodal and socio-cognitive experiences educators will be sure to prepare their students for the ever-evolving digital world.

Using the ADDIE Model to Design Second Life Activities for Online Learners
With the advancements of computer technology and Internet applications online learning can now be more engaging and motivating. Second life is a great online platform that can be used to give users a near-real life environment. Students get to create a virtual representation of themselves – called an avatar, and then use their avatar to collaborate and interact with others. The embedded communication tools offered in SL promote social interaction and cause participants to be actively involved in the learning.  By using SL educators can design authentic tasks that require learners to explore the virtual world, solve problems, construct meaning and collaborate with other learners. Despite the many advantages there are some downsides educators must consider before using SL in their teaching. In order to ensure positive outcomes, It’s important that educators carefully plan their instruction and investigate how the new tool can enhance their instructional needs.

Hassett, D. D., Curwood, J.S. (2009). Theories and Practices of Multimodal Education: The Instructional Dynamics of Picture Books and Primary Classrooms. Retrieved from: The Reading Teacher.
Wang, S., Hsu, H. (November, December 2009). Using the ADDIE Model to Design Second Life Activities for Online Learners. Retrieved from TechTrends, Volume 53, #6.



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