(Image from Freepik.com)
At the beginning of most semesters, I completed the “typical” assignment as embedded below.
For example, in the opening portion of the original video, I introduce myself and briefly explain my role in education. While this information was clear and factual, the presentation of the video remained very simple. The video mainly consisted of me speaking directly to the camera. It did not include any additional visual elements to enhance the presentation. Why would this matter? If I had included these elements, I could have supported the message being shared more thoughtfully with things that could help reinforce the idea(s) I was trying to present. Looking back, I now realize that the video relied heavily on a single mode of communication.
After reviewing the reading in Chapter 6 of Crafting Digital Writing, I realized that effective videos require more planning with multiple modes of communication implemented. What does this look like? The creator of a visual project must include attention to detail, address the audience, identify the purpose, and consider visual design while also considering how these multiple modes work together to support the overall message. Hicks and Turner (2023) explain that digital compositions often include a combination of written text, audio, and visual elements that work together to communicate ideas. Reflecting on my original video helped me recognize that I had mainly focused on the spoken portion of the video and had not fully considered how visual design and other multimedia elements could strengthen the message.
When completing the revision process and preparing the next video submission, I focused on making the video feel more like a complete digital text with various modes, rather than just a “basic” recorded introduction. Hicks and Turner (2023) emphasize that digital compositions often combine several modes of communication, and these elements should work together to support the overall message rather than exist separately. Because of this, I paid closer attention to visual organization, pacing, and the overall presentation of the new video. In the planning phase, I considered how the visuals, spoken words, and structure could work together to improve the message's clarity.
One of the most significant changes I made in the revised version of the video is the overall visual format. Instead of using only a direct talking video, I created a slide-based video presentation that includes images, subtitles, and a voice-over narration. This approach allowed the video to incorporate multiple modes of communication. For example, adding talking points and images helped reinforce the ideas being presented, while also making the video more accessible for viewers who may process information differently. Mayer (2021) explains that well-designed multimedia materials can help learners process information more effectively by integrating multiple forms of communication. When visuals and narration work together, they can help clarify ideas and make information easier to understand for the viewer.
Below is my revision video presentation.
So, why is all this important and what does it have to do with your classroom? Research suggests that educators who incorporate digital tools into their teaching practices can create more engaging learning experiences and better prepare students. Trust and Whalen (2022) explain that digital communication tools allow educators to present information in ways that reach a wider audience and support different types of learners. This is especially important in today’s educational settings where technology plays such a large role in how information is shared and understood. Our goal is to meet the needs of ALL learners.
Overall, revising this video helped me better understand the importance of design when creating digital texts. I began to recognize that effective digital writing involves more than simply sharing information. Instead, it requires thoughtful decisions about your audience, the design, and how different modes of communication work together to support the message. By revising my video with these ideas in mind, I was able to create a more intentional and complete digital text that better reflects the principles discussed in Crafting Digital Writing.
References
Hicks, T., & Turner, K. H. (2023). Crafting digital writing: Composing texts across media and genres. Teachers College Press.
Mayer, R. E. (2021). Multimedia learning and instructional design. Educational Psychologist, 56(2), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2021.1897435
Trust, T., & Whalen, J. (2022). Should teachers be trained in emergency remote teaching? Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 28(2), 189–199. https://doi.org/10.70725/307718pkpjuu
