What is Multimodal Meaning in e-Learning?

In e-Learning Ecologies (Cope & Kalantzis, 2017), multimodal meaning refers to the integration of multiple modes—text, images, audio, video, gestures, and interactivity—in creating and sharing knowledge. Instead of relying solely on written text, learners can combine visuals, sounds, and digital media to convey ideas more powerfully. This reflects the reality of today’s learners, who engage daily with multimedia platforms.

Defining Digital Media as a Multimodal Concept

Digital media exemplifies multimodal meaning because it enables the blending of text, graphics, video, sound, and interactivity into a single learning experience. Unlike traditional print, digital media supports layered meaning-making, where different modes complement one another. In education, this means students and teachers use digital tools not only to consume content but also to create and communicate knowledge.

Examples in Practice (Philippine Context)

Teacher-Created Content
During online and blended learning, schools like Marinduque National High School used video lessons that combined narration, text overlays, and animations. These multimodal lessons helped students with varied learning styles engage better with content.

University Digital Platforms
Higher education institutions adopted Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Moodle and Canvas, embedding multimedia content like podcasts, infographics, and recorded lectures. These digital resources gave learners multiple entry points into the same material.

Social Media for Education
Beyond formal classrooms, Filipino educators and creators used Facebook pages, YouTube, and TikTok to produce short, engaging educational videos with subtitles, graphics, and background music. These platforms made multimodal knowledge accessible even outside traditional learning spaces.

Student-Created Projects
Importantly, students also engage in creating multimodal digital projects. For example, Marinduque students have been tasked to produce:

Video blogs (vlogs) on environmental issues, combining interviews, on-site footage, and reflective narration.

Digital posters or infographics using Canva to illustrate health campaigns or community projects.

Podcasts where students discuss current events, integrating research, interviews, and music editing.

These projects demonstrate how learners actively construct and represent knowledge in multiple modes, rather than relying solely on text-based assignments.

Why It Matters

Digital media fosters active, multimodal knowledge-making that prepares learners for the demands of the digital age. By allowing students to read, watch, listen, and create, it addresses diverse learning preferences and empowers them to be both consumers and producers of knowledge.

References

Cope, B., & Kalantzis, M. (2017). e-Learning Ecologies: Principles for New Learning and Assessment. Routledge.

DepEd Commons – Digital platform for Filipino students and teachers.

Mayer, R. (2009). Multimedia Learning. Cambridge University Press.