Linking Assignment for Task 7
Jessie’s Mode-Bending assignment was very engaging and such a creative take on the assignment. She showed what was in her bag in an “unboxing” style, which is a popular type of video seen on social media. I think that it was a relevant way of sharing information given the way we consume content. Not only did she film herself, but included product information and her personal uses or connection with each item. This made the video almost persuasive, as she was raving about her bag because of its durability and her favourite pens and highlighters. Not only was her video informative with her descriptions, product links, and recommendations, but it was also very entertaining. The addition of icons from Canva added humour, along with the clip of her daughter joining in was very sweet as well.
Jessie’s approach to this assignment was very different from mine. She presented her items in a visual and almost tactile way as she was providing different angles and close up shots. On the other hand, my approach was using written and audio text. Jessie was able to integrate more personal connections and stories to her items, which adds to the persuasive nature of this particular mode-bending approach. It was also great to see Jessie’s personality come through from the video, whereas my assignment was more concise and scripted.
Like she mentioned in her section on the benefits of mode-bending, there are specific target demographics that would favour this type of mode of information. With the rise of different social media platforms that offer videos, audience’s attention spans are getting shorter. The use of the icons in the video really captured my attention and kept me interested throughout the video. As Cope & Kalantzis write, “With these new communication practices, new literacies have emerged. They are embodied in new social practices—ways of working in new or transformed
forms of employment, new ways of participating as a citizen in public spaces,
and even perhaps new forms of identity and personality” (2009, p. 167). Videos in social media have brought on new trends and different mannerisms that are accepted as newfound social practices in our society.
Cope, B., & Kalantzis, M. (2009). Multiliteracies: New literacies, new learning. Pedagogies: An International Journal, 4(3), 164-195.