What You Need to Know About Multimodality

Multimodality is the incorporation of multiple modes of communication. It’s a move away from print-centrism and a move toward a recognition that we communicate in more ways than one. ​

Multimodality has the ability to change your teaching. Embracing more than one mode of communication, AKA moving past print and linguistic modes, can include more students and increase creativity. Not sure what multimodality is? Keep reading to learn what counts as multimodality.

Simply put, multimodality is the notion that communication happens in more than one way. It includes recognition of modes besides language to communicate. The modes include (but may not be limited to) linguistic, visual, spatial, digital, gestural, and aural (Albers & Harste, 2007). ​

A Breakdown of Each Mode

• Linguistic: This includes elements of the spoken or written word. That is, anything language we say/hear and any language we write/read from print-based forms. The linguistic mode uses words to convey meaning. Classroom examples: five paragraph essay, class discussion, reading comprehension quiz, oral presentation. 
• Visual- the visual mode includes elements of design. It’s the use of physical materials or digital media to convey a message through visual means. Ways that visual elements can communicate meaning include color,  contrast, shape, tones, texture, and balance. Classroom examples: painting, collage, mural. 
• Spatial- not to be confused with visual (but often these two work together), the spatial mode includes messages conveyed by how objects are in relation to one another. The spatial mode uses size, shape, and position to communicate meaning. Classroom examples: infographic, diorama, map. 
• Digital- although the other modes can be composed and consumed via digital media, the digital mode refers to communication that takes advantage of digital technologies. The digital mode uses the affordances of digital technology to convey meaning. Classroom examples: video editing and creation, virtual/augmented reality simulations, modeling, coding. 
• Gestural- this mode includes ways we use our bodies and movement to create meaning. The gestural mode employs facial expressions, body language, gestures, and physical human interaction to communicate meaning. Classroom examples: skits, charades, YouTube videos, TikToks, dance. 
• Aural- this is another word for sound. The aural mode uses sound, music, tone of voice, language type, volume, etc. to communicate meaning. Classroom examples: poetry slams, musical interpretations, creating soundtracks. 

Conclusion:

The point with multimodality is to recognize that language has been centered to serve the dominant culture at the expense of rich classroom experiences for all students. Language is not always (and may rarely be) the best way to communicate meaning. Yet, its power of gatekeeping in education makes it a strong focus in schools. What’s more, many students who may already be marginalized and/or affected by trauma, are often talented users and even experts in other modes of communication. Centering print ignores their expertise. Recognizing the power of multiple modes to communicate and the hegemonic nature of print-centrism can open your classroom to allow the achievement of more students. ​

References:
Albers, P, & Harste, J. C. (2007). The arts, new literacies, and multimodality. English Education, 40(1), 6-19.