Linking Assignment – Task 7
Task 7: Mode Bending
Classmate: Tristan Wong
Link: https://blogs.ubc.ca/twong540/task-7-mode-bending/

I chose to comment on Tristan’s Task 7: Mode Bending post for this linking assignment. After visiting several of my classmate’s posts for this task, I was surprised by how many chose to offer a podcast-like interpretation of Task 1. Tristan also makes note of this in his post, referring to his preference of listening to audio vs. viewing the images of Task 1. I found the audio enjoyable to listen to; however, I don’t know that I preferred it over the photos. Even as I was listening to Tristan’s description of items, I found myself wanting to see what was in the box. These preferences are important to note as educators and reinforce why it is crucial to provide access to information using a variety of modalities.

A few things struck me about Tristan’s take on the task that motivated my response. The first was how easy it was to engage with Tristan’s post because his audio file could be played right from his webspace that housed the accompanying text. I had visited another classmate’s page where there were several audio files to listen to, and they were housed on another platform that required that I log in. Needless to say, I read and was engaged with that classmate’s text, but I did not listen to the audio files referenced because of the barrier. The degree to which an audience will work to engage with content is limited; making our content easily accessible increases the chances that it will be consumed. Secondly, I was intrigued by Tristan’s new take on Task 1. As someone with several memory-type boxes filled with ticket stubs, photos, and other mementos, I could relate to this experience and was interested to hear what items Tristan had held on to and what I might learn about him from the things he chose to save.

The casual nature of Tristan’s recording, along with the subtle background sounds that the items made and the box rustling, made the whole experience feel more intimate. I could imagine myself sitting across from Tristan as he sorted through his memories. By changing the sensory and semiotic modes of Task 1, the listener was given insights about who Tristan is, which differed from the insights gathered from the image provided in Task 1. In his audio recording, we get more personal information about him by hearing his voice, are exposed to his various reactions to the items, and the nature of the items in the box shows more of his interests outside of work (which were highlighted in Task 1).