Task 7: Mode-bending
Reflection
Redesigning this task was enjoyable because it gave me the opportunity to use a program I’ve been wanting to explore for another class. It made me think about how I wanted to visually present the clues, especially since conveying them through audio alone can pose challenges.
For example, the tin can generated a lot of noise, but without additional description, it was difficult to guess specific details – many things come in a tin can! In comparison, the phone produced clear sounds that were easily recognizable without any explanation needed. This experience highlighted the importance of clarity and context when using different modes of communication to convey information effectively.
Challenges
Creating everything in an auditory format posed a significant challenge for me, particularly when mistakes occurred. I also really did not like listening to my own voice repeatedly! Unlike text where corrections can easily be changed, in audio, any mistakes meant having to re-record the entire message. This was especially cumbersome when dealing with background noise and/or unexpected interruptions.
Even with a script, executing the recording smoothly wasn’t guaranteed! Sometimes, despite knowing what I wanted to say, technical issues like microphone sensitivity or background noise would interfere with the audio recording. This experience highlighted the importance of preparation and technical proficiency when relying on auditory communication methods.
Redesign
The New London Group’s perspective on meaning-making and redesign resonates with my current experience of revisiting and redesigning task one. This revisit allows me to present information in a different way and consider what I want to emphasize.
The New London Group suggests, multimodal approaches to communication allow for diverse ways of creating meaning. Whether it’s through visuals, audio, or a combination, each mode offers unique opportunities for expression and connection. I’ve always found visual meaning to be important; if something visually attracts me, it’s more likely to capture my attention. However, by incorporating audio, this proved challenging. Audio requires careful consideration of sound quality, clarity of message, and the overall auditory experience.
The idea that meaning making is not only about conveying information but also about personal and audience interpretation is evident through this redesign. Regardless of how the information is presented, there’s always significance to be found—whether it’s for the audience or, importantly, for the maker themselves.
Reference
The New London Group. (1996). A pedagogy of multiliteracies: Designing social futures. Harvard Educational Review 66(1), 60-92.
Great post, April! I relate to your experience because I’ve had similar challenges with audio recordings. I often had to redo them several times due to mistakes, which was frustrating and took longer than writing. While I enjoyed using new tools like Podcastle for audio recording, I generally find writing easier and quicker for revisions. Throughout my ETEC journey, Podcastle has been helpful for cleaning up background noise, improving voice quality, and making recordings sound professional like the podcasts we listen to.