Innovation in education continues to grow. Technological developments allow for a wide range of new innovations that can improve the quality of education. In addition, the world has experienced changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. All activities, including learning, need to move online, so the learning model must also be able to adapt to existing conditions.
One of the innovations in education is multimodal learning. Multimodal learning emerged as one of the efforts to create interesting learning in distance education. Before we go any further, let’s have a look at the definition of multimodal learning.
The word multimodal itself refers to the use of multiple media to create an artefact. Baldry and Thibault (2006) argue that people today live multimodally by using different methods such as language, images, gestures, actions, sounds and other stimulating sources. Multimodal has different modalities. Some of these modalities include:
- Speech
- Audio
- Written and print
- Illustrations
In the field of learning, multimodal means learning that uses more than one modality. It aims to engage students by using a variety of learning styles at the same time, so that students can experience a variety of learning models that are right for them.
What are the benefits of multimodal learning?
Obviously, the multimodal learning helps students to retain more information. It can also help students to find the best learning style that suits them. Since students have various style in learning, the multimodal learning provides various learning style so each students can be benefited during the learning process.
What are the types of multimodal learning?
The VARK framework is becoming a popular method in multimodal learning. There are four main methods proposed in this model, such as
- Visual learning
This learning uses visual elements such as graphs, infographics, cartoons and illustrations, videos, artwork, flowcharts and diagrams. It is basically the use of elements in learning that stimulate the eyes of the learner.
- Auditory learning
Auditory learning is concerned with the auditory stimulus. To create this type of learning, it can be in the form of a podcast, webinar, audio book or talking to the learners face to face.
- Kinesthetic learning
This is a combination of several types of learning. For example, it can be in the form of a video that combines visual, auditory and kinesthetic skills.
- Reading and writing
This is the most familiar type. Reading and writing uses text-based courses such as PDF, documents and eBooks.
How do you create a multimodal approach to learning?
There are several things you can do, including
- Add different media to your courses
Instead of relying on one medium, you can use more than one medium in your learning. For example, you could create a PowerPoint presentation that includes both visual and auditory elements.
- Use blended learning techniques
Blended learning can be an effective technique because it combines face-to-face learning with online instruction through the LMS. It allows you to interact with the learners in person and also in the e-learning.
- Setting the multimodal task
You can ask your students to create a video or audio project and then upload it to the LMS. This can stimulate their creativity and encourage them to use different parts of their brain.
- Providing feedback in different media with LMS
The feedback given by the teacher is not limited to one media. You can give the feedback with a short video uploaded in LMS so students can see how your body language, your expression along with listening to the tone of your voice.
