Supporting Multiliteracies Through Multimedia

Hi! The writing in red is actually a few pieces that I want to use for referencing the reading. I have not worked them into my essay yet, but that is my intention. I may change them a bit…they are just sort of place holders in my rough draft. I only briefly touched on the collaboration process. I am going to explore how that went into the writing process (brainstorming, proofing, revision). I also didn’t go into an analysis of the video. I’m a bit stuck as I could see it going on forever, there is a lot there and my essay is already at 900 words. I could easily do 900 more on the video analis is piece. So here is the question…should I sum up the video in relation to the multimedia production in a few paragraphs or should I weave the information throughout the essay as references to my position? I think the “weaving” method may hinder the cohesion…just a thought…

Today’s culture consists of technology that has grown exponentially over the past twenty years. With the invention of the internet, content and information is only as far away as a Google search. On the world wide web, writing is far from being the traditional format of composition from grammer school. Writing technology has created a multidemensional aspect to writing that not only adds to the complexity begind effective writing, but provides for an exponential of ideas and opportunities.

The task of creating a YouTube video for my writing class allowed me to experience the process first hand. Collaborating with four other students provided both challenges as well as advantages. With having an on-line classroom the ligistics of meeting together in person complicated the planning right from the start. However, utilizing the technology available to us (forum thread, email and blogs) we were able to effectively manuver around that obsticle.

Although working independently provides for greater flexibility and creative freedom, the end result would not have been the same without the contribution of each team member. That is to say the end result is a product of the collective talents within our group. Through the process of collaboration we were able to develop a video that would have otherwise been impossible.

Writing itself is the expression of thought. It is used to convey an idea. When that idea is supported with sound and visual images the idea can be conveyed with emphasis. The use of multimedia to augment writing has many uses, some of which include increasing interest, and relevancy, and reaching a larger audience.

Some purists frown on using the computer as a writing technology, given the ability for misuse. Although their arguement as proven to be true, the deception in writing is usually decerned and debunked as soon as it is discovered. Regretably some people have been deceived, but with a cautious awareness technology can be used by informed consumers in useful manner. Using multimedia, such as sound, visual clips, and animation, writing takes on a new format. This multidemensional model of writing enables the writer to connect with the reader on a different level of understanding than with the traditional pencil and paper model.

Writing has continusly evolved since its inception. Although writing was orignially scorned by the ancient greeks as an uneducated means of knowledge, people used writing beyond the narrow view of the scholars and writing has continued to progress ever since.  The invention and accessibility of mass produced writing supplies enabled people all over the world to communicate with one another. In keeping with the trajectory and accessibility of writing, electronic technology has allowed even greater possiblities.

Today, technology allows us to convey the same type of information but to millions of viewers at the click of a button. When new technologies are invented people tend to show hestitency and synisism. This was seen with the invention of the telegraph. People did not fully see the purpose or benefit of this new writing technology. The same pattern can be seen with today’s electronic technology and the struggle to keep technology and “words in a row” as seperate as possible.

Although easily produced, publishing content to the internet must be done while exercising caution. Ong (1986) points out that all verbal expression, whether it be writing, print, or an electronic outlet is bound to sound forever. That is, once it is out there, it is out there. There is no bringing it back because even if we hit delete someone else may have already uploaded or forwarded the content somewhere else. The content then becomes viral and takes a life on its own.

On the internet, words are no longer used as stand alones to convey a meaning. On the internet, writing is interactive. Responses from the audience can be used to supplement the writing so that it becomes more of an avenue for discourse rather than a one-way tool that is used to elicit a reaction.

The evolution of writing into a multimedia production took a few thousand years with the largest advancements taking place in the past 20 years. Technology is now moving at a rate where the technology produced today will be replaced by something different in 6 months. From instant messaging to tweeting, writing evolves right along with the technology used to create the writing.

Standing against the evolution of writing will only limit effectiveness. Writing is constantly reinventing itself, especial in today’s electronic age of technology.  Broadening the audience base by inserting a music track may seem as though it waters down the message but this is not true. By using a variety of media the writer is able to engage the reader with supportive content, making the writing more meaningful and relevant as ever. Incorporating these devices as ways to supplement writing with additional context or emotion, only strengthens the meaning of the writing and therefor increases the effectiveness.