Integrating Multimodality into the Classroom
In order to explain the importance of integrating multimodality into the composition classroom, I draw from the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)'s "Position on Multimodal Literacies." This statement reiterates the importance of fostering multimodal classrooms so that students have opportunities to develop a wide range of literacies. Below I have highlighted sections of the statement that are particularly relevant for incorporating Tumblr as a platform for research.
On the usefulness of multimodality:
On the usefulness of multimodality:
- "Multimodal literacies has expanded the ways we acquire information and understand concepts."
- "Creating images, sounds, designs, videos and other extra-alphanumeric texts is an aesthetic, self-originated, self-sponsored activity for many writers. Digital technologies have increasing capacity for individuals to adapt the tools for their own information and communication purposes. Students have the capability to apply literacy skills to real world problems and knowledge building (CCCC Feb. 2004 position statement)."
- "Because of the complexity of multimodal projects and the different levels of skill and sensitivity each individual brings to their execution, such projects often demand high levels of collaboration and teamwork...collaboration improves the product and helps all students involved learn more."
- "'Students should be able to both read critically and write functionally, no matter what the medium' (William Kist). In personal, civic, and professional discourse, alphabetic, visual, and aural works are not luxuries but essential components of knowing."
- "The techniques of acquiring, organizing, evaluating, and creatively using multimodal information should become an increasingly important component of the English/Language Arts classroom."