Multimodal Literacies: Communication and Learning in the Era of Digital Media from Coursera

Whereas the focus of traditional literacy pedagogy has been the written word in its standard and literary forms, this courser expands the scope of literacy learning to encompass contemporary multimodal texts and the wide range of ways of making meaning that occur in different social and cultural contexts. Another course, "Literacy Teaching and Learning: Aims, Approaches and Pedagogies" addresses pedagogical aspects of literacies. This "Multimodal Literacies" learning module does not require or expect that participants will have already completed the "Literacy Teaching and Learning" module.

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Recommended Background

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This course is designed for people interested in literacy teaching and learning, including people who may wish to join education as a profession, practicing teachers interested in exploring future directions for a vocation that is currently undergoing transformation, and community and workplace leaders who regard their mission to be in part "educative."

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Related Resources

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Online resources are available here:

https://newlearningonline.com

Book:

https://www.amazon.com/Literacies-Mary-Kalantzis/dp/1107578698/ref=sr_1_1?qid=1661288799&refinements=p_27%3ABill+Cope&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Bill+Cope

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Join our Online Communities!

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CGScholar (Create an account and join the New Learning community)

https://cgscholar.com/community/community_profiles/new-learning/community_updates

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/newlearningonline

Twitter

https://twitter.com/neolearning

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Take this Course for Credit at the University of Illinois

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This course has the same content and anticipates the same level of contribution by students in the Assessment for Learning course offered to graduate certificate, masters, and doctoral level students in the Learning Design and Leadership Program in the College of Education at the University of Illinois.

Of course, in the nature of MOOCs many people will just want to view the videos and casually join some of the discussions. Some people say that these limited kinds of participation offer evidence that MOOCs suffer from low retention rates. Far from it – we say that any level of engagement is good engagement.

On the other hand, if you would like to take this course for credit at the University of Illinois, you will find more information about our program here:

https://ldlprogram.web.illinois.edu/overview/

And you can apply here:

https://education.illinois.edu/epol/programs-degrees/ldl

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The Learning Design and Leadership Series of MOOCs

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This course is one of a series of eight MOOCs created by Bill Cope and Mary Kalantzis for the Learning Design and Leadership program at the University of Illinois. If you find this MOOC helpful, please join us in others!

e-Learning Ecologies: Innovative Approaches to Teaching and Learning for the Digital Age

https://www.coursera.org/learn/elearning

New Learning: Principles and Patterns of Pedagogy

https://www.coursera.org/learn/newlearning

Assessment for Learning

https://www.coursera.org/learn/assessmentforlearning

Learning, Knowledge, and Human Development

https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-knowledge-human-development

Ubiquitous Learning and Instructional Technologies

https://www.coursera.org/learn/ubiquitouslearning

Negotiating Learner Differences: Towards Productive Diversity in Learning

https://www.coursera.org/learn/learnerdifferences

Literacy Teaching and Learning: Aims, Approaches and Pedagogies

https://www.coursera.org/learn/literacy-teaching-learning

Multimodal Literacies: Communication and Learning in the Era of Digital Media

https://www.coursera.org/learn/multimodal-literacies

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Course Orientation + Multimodal Meaning and Synesthesia

This module introduces the key ideas of the course: communication, representation (or making meanings for oneself as an aid to thinking), and the design of meaning. Today, our tools for communication and representation have been widely expanded by digital tools. For these reasons, we need to extend our literacy pedagogy to encompass literacies in the plural, including a wider range of modes of meaning than alphabetic text alone.

Module 2: Making Meaning by Reading + Making Meaning by Writing + Making Visual Meaning

This module begins with an overview of the conventional focus of literacy pedagogy – reading and writing. In its second half, the module applies a parallel set of tools to analysis of visual meanings.

Module 3: Making Spatial, Tactile, and Gestural Meanings + Making Audio and Oral Meanings + Literacies to Think and to Learn

In this third module of the course, we examine spatial, tactile, gestural, audio, and oral meanings – all today part of a wider repertoire of teaching and learning that we call "literacies" in the plural, or "multiliteracies." In the final section of the module, we explore how we use literacies to think in characteristically "academic" ways. In this sense, literacies play a critical supportive role in the learning process.

Module 4: Literacies and Learner Differences + Literacies Standards and Assessment

The final module of the course examines the question of learner differences – including literacies learning at different age levels and second language learning. We also explore strategies for differentiated instruction. Finally, we investigate the range of assessment strategies that can be used to diagnose learner needs, offer feedback during the learning process, and evaluate learning outcomes.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Covers multimodal tools for communication that are current in the industry

Taught by academics recognized for their work in pedagogy

Develops multimodal literacies that are core for work, learning, and personal growth

Builds foundational knowledge in multimodal literacies

Teaches multimodal literacies that strengthen capabilities in reading, writing, and visual meaning-making

Relevant subject matter for learners looking to build a foundation in multimodal literacies

Reviews summary

Interesting exploration of multimodal literacies

Learners say that this course offers interesting and important perspectives for exploring teachers and multimodal literacies across cultures.

Course offers an important perspective.

"Taking this class provides me with an important perspective for my exploration of the ability of teachers at my home country."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Multimodal Literacies: Communication and Learning in the Era of Digital Media with these activities:

Read Literacies

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Establishes a strong base of knowledge for students to draw on as they progress through the course.

View Making Sense on Amazon

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Read Chapter 1: Introduction
Read Chapter 2: New Literacies
Read Chapter 3: Multiliteracies

Connect with Experts in the Field

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Provides students with an opportunity to connect with experts in the field of multimodal literacies.

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Identify experts in the field of multimodal literacies.
Reach out to experts and request to connect with them.
Schedule a meeting or call to learn more about their work.

Explore Multimodal Literacies in the Classroom

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Offers students an opportunity to learn more about the practical applications of multimodal literacies in the classroom.

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Watch videos of teachers using multimodal literacies in the classroom.
Read articles about the benefits of using multimodal literacies in the classroom.
Participate in online discussions about multimodal literacies.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Develop a Multimodal Literacy Plan

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Provides students with an opportunity to apply the concepts of multimodal literacies to a real-world scenario.

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Identify a specific audience and purpose for your plan.
Research different types of multimodal texts.
Develop a plan for creating a multimodal text.
Create a prototype of your multimodal text.

Literature library as a multimodal literacy source

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Combining and contrasting various literature sources will aid the learner in understanding the role of multimodal literacy in language learning

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Compile chapters from books and articles about multimodal literacy and its ability to support learning.
Identify key themes and ideas related to multimodal literacies.
Create an annotated bibliography of the sources.

Design a Multimodal Lesson

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Allows students to demonstrate their understanding of multimodal literacies by creating their own lesson plans.

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Identify a specific grade level and subject area for your lesson.
Develop learning objectives for your lesson.
Choose a variety of multimodal texts to use in your lesson.
Create a lesson plan that incorporates multimodal literacies.

Participate in a Multimodal Literacy Competition

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Provides students with an opportunity to showcase their multimodal literacy skills and compete with others in the field.

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Find a multimodal literacy competition to participate in.
Develop a multimodal text to submit to the competition.
Submit your multimodal text to the competition.

Create a Multimodal Literacy Resource Kit

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Provides students with an opportunity to consolidate their knowledge and understanding of the course content.

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Gather resources on multimodal literacies.
Categorize the resources according to topic.
Create a resource kit that can be used by other educators.

Career center

Learners who complete Multimodal Literacies: Communication and Learning in the Era of Digital Media will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers create and develop educational materials and experiences. They work with subject matter experts to develop learning objectives, design instructional activities, and evaluate the effectiveness of learning programs. This course can help Instructional Designers develop the skills needed to create effective and engaging learning experiences. By learning about multimodal literacies, they can gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate and engage with learners through different modes of expression.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Teacher

Teachers help students learn and grow. They work in schools and other educational settings to provide instruction and guidance to students. This course can help Teachers develop the skills needed to create effective and engaging learning experiences. By learning about multimodal literacies, they can gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate and engage with students through different modes of expression.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Learning Experience Designer

Learning Experience Designers create and develop learning experiences for corporate, educational, and non-profit organizations. They work with subject matter experts to develop learning objectives, design learning activities, and evaluate the effectiveness of learning programs. This course can help Learning Experience Designers develop the skills needed to create effective and engaging learning experiences. By learning about multimodal literacies, they can gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate and engage with learners through different modes of expression.

See salaries and explore the career path for Learning Experience Designer

Education Consultant

Education Consultants provide consulting services to schools and other educational organizations. They work with clients to identify and solve educational problems. This course can help Education Consultants develop the skills needed to provide effective consulting services. By learning about multimodal literacies, they can gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate and engage with clients through different modes of expression.

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Instructional Coach

Instructional Coaches work with teachers to improve their teaching practice. They provide feedback, support, and professional development opportunities to help teachers grow and develop. This course can help Instructional Coaches develop the skills needed to be effective coaches. By learning about multimodal literacies, they can gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate and engage with teachers through different modes of expression.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Coach

Educational Researcher

Educational Researchers study teaching and learning. They conduct research to identify effective teaching practices, develop new educational programs, and evaluate the effectiveness of educational reforms. This course can help Educational Researchers develop the skills needed to conduct effective research. By learning about multimodal literacies, they can gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate and engage with researchers and educators through different modes of expression.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Researcher

Content Designer

Content Designers create and manage content for websites, apps, and other digital platforms. They ensure that content is clear, concise, and engaging, and that it meets the needs of the target audience. This course can help Content Designers develop the skills needed to create effective and engaging content. By learning about multimodal literacies, they can gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate and engage with audiences through different modes of expression.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Designer

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers create and develop educational programs and materials. They work with educators to identify learning objectives, develop learning activities, and evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs. This course can help Curriculum Developers develop the skills needed to create effective and engaging learning experiences. By learning about multimodal literacies, they can gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate and engage with students through different modes of expression.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

User Experience (UX) Designer

User Experience (UX) Designers create and improve the user experience of websites, apps, and other digital products. They focus on making products easy to use, enjoyable, and efficient. This course can help UX Designers develop the skills needed to create positive and engaging user experiences. By learning about multimodal literacies, they can gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate and engage with users through different modes of expression.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience (UX) Designer

Educational Administrator

Educational Administrators manage and oversee schools and other educational organizations. They work with staff to develop and implement educational programs, and they ensure that schools are safe and supportive learning environments. This course can help Educational Administrators develop the skills needed to be effective leaders. By learning about multimodal literacies, they can gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate and engage with staff, students, and parents through different modes of expression.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Administrator

Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They work with students to develop their knowledge and skills in a particular subject area. This course can help Professors develop the skills needed to be effective teachers and researchers. By learning about multimodal literacies, they can gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate and engage with students through different modes of expression.

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Education Policy Analyst

Education Policy Analysts study and analyze education policies. They work with policymakers to develop and implement effective education policies. This course can help Education Policy Analysts develop the skills needed to analyze education policies and make recommendations for improvement. By learning about multimodal literacies, they can gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate and engage with policymakers and the public through different modes of expression.

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Educational Technologist

Educational Technologists use technology to improve teaching and learning. They work with educators to integrate technology into the classroom, and they develop and implement educational technology solutions. This course can help Educational Technologists develop the skills needed to effectively use technology in the classroom. By learning about multimodal literacies, they can gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate and engage with students through different modes of expression.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. They work in libraries, schools, and other organizations to provide access to books, databases, and other resources. This course can help Librarians develop the skills needed to provide effective library services. By learning about multimodal literacies, they can gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate and engage with patrons through different modes of expression.

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Multimedia Artist

Multimedia Artists use various digital and traditional media to create art. They may work with video, photography, audio, and other forms of media to create immersive and engaging experiences. This course can help Multimedia Artists develop the skills needed to create meaningful and effective multimedia content. By learning about multimodal literacies, they can gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate and engage with audiences through different modes of expression.

See salaries and explore the career path for Multimedia Artist