The experience of using multi modal texts is (personally) becoming increasingly more familiar. However, new programmes and formats are being introduced constantly, causing more ways for teachers to stay ‘updated’.
During recent school experience, the school used the programme ‘Activinspire’and most lessons were supported by the use of flipcharts, presented on an interactive whiteboard. The flipcharts provided the teacher and I, with an opportunity to present a range of multi modal texts, through including images, videos and sounds to support and enhance the particular topic and learning experience.
Using this certain format was challenging as the children were more experienced and therefore more in tune with the programme than I was! At first, my lack of confidence when using the flipcharts in front of a whole class was distracting for myself as well as the children. For example, having to take moments to familiarize myself with where a certain pen or rubber was or the various times I would skip a step, which would reveal the answer and therefore losing the productive thinking process and working out stage.
However the benefits of using Activinspire were evidential in all parts of the lesson. It improved speaking, listening and reading because of the flipcharts being presented on the interactive whiteboard at the front of the class, providing a clear view and focus. Moreover, it provided easy accessibility to all types of learners; visual learners through the use of colours, font and videos, auditory learners through the use of sounds, videos and discussion and kinaesthetic learners through the use of interactive activities, collaborative peer work linking to the activity and the use of additional resources. Rudd (2006) supports the idea that ICT can enrich and provide opportunities for speaking and listening, one example being the use of auditory (multi modal) resources such as recordings or videos to develop the skills of concentrated, attentive listening.
Overall the benefits were indicated through the improved engagement of the class and willingness to participate and contribute to the lesson. However, there are certain drawbacks to consider when using multi modal texts through ICT. Cohen, Manion, Morrison and Wyse (2010) consider the critical role the teacher has when promoting learning through ICT and that the ICT/software used is to aid the teacher not substitute. Further, the role of teacher also includes teaching pupils the awareness of internet safety and the responsiveness of protecting individuals to possible harmful material.
To summarise, the versatility of using multi modal texts through ICT, can have advantages for all learners and all areas of the curriculum. Teachers need to be aware how to use and teach with the texts safely and suitably to prevent barriers to learning and to ensure productive learning experiences. Using multi modal texts is a teaching and learning experience that is sure to become increasingly familiar because of the incline of advanced technology becoming available in the classroom.
Cohen, L., Manion, L., Morrison, K. And Wyse, D. (2010) A Guide to Teaching Practice, 5th edition, London: Routledge
Rudd, A. (2006) Literacy and ICT in the Primary School: A Creative Approach to English London: David Fulton Publishers Ltd Available at: Google Books < http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=d0lOMK70W-QC&pg=PA61&dq=improved+speaking+and+listening+through+ICT&hl=en&sa=X&ei=chEOU6LkOMjB7AaCx4D4DA&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=speaking%20listening%20ICT&f=false> [Accessed 26th February 2014]
Learn more about ‘Activinspire’ - http://www.prometheanworld.com/us/english/education/products/classroom-software/activinspire/
The text seems to be presented in one block on my computer, I hope it doesn't look like this when reading it!
ReplyDeleteI am also a freight that a problem can be that children has more skills than we as teachers. but lets then turn it around and let the children teach us more ICT skills :-)
ReplyDeleteI also had this problem from using flipcharts in the classroom during school experience as it was a new experience for me. However, as time went on I became more accustomed to it and was able to include many multi-modal aspects such as hyperlinks and videos. I agree how it can be accessible for all types of learners.
ReplyDeleteIt is something we will need to prepare for our next placement. I still imagine myself teaching in a class with a whiteboard behind me. However, this will most probably not be the case! The transition to using technology throughout the school day is definitely still happening as my second year placement used a white board with occasional help from an over head projector - completely different to my third year placement.
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