Module B: Web 2.0 Online Texts

Online and multimedia texts are an example of effective technologies that can be implemented in the English classroom. Whilst examining this module, I took an in-depth look into the multimedia text ‘Tales of 20^th Century London’, (http://www.talesoflondon.org.uk/?PHPSESSID=ac9af1988b28086211bb5aff4a52a2ad.) This fascinating example of a multimedia text is interactive, visually exciting and educational. In contrast to traditional reading of a text, this multimedia involves fluid animation to accompany the wording. Further to the “Book”, this multimedia also includes interactive activities. This multimedia text is beyond anything educational I have ever seen and I was truly entranced by it. I believe that ‘Tales of 20^th Century London’ could be used in a secondary English classroom. For example any class studying a novel set in London, could use this multimedia to gain an understanding of the context of their novel. This type of technology could also be utilized by the class to create a profile of the time in which a novel’s character lived, including experiences they may have had, clothes they may have worn, significant events in that time-period and so on. In addition to this multimedia I briefly researched other multimedia texts to gain an understanding of the extent of such texts available. As these multimedia texts are primarily visual, the most effective pedagogy, or method of instruction for students, would be an auditory explanation accompanied by a visual demonstration of such programs, followed by students own physical exploration of the multimedia texts, with support available from the teacher.  In the classroom, these multimedia technologies would be best utilized with the students examining them alone, and then communicating their progress and ideas with classmates.