The document discusses using multimodal texts and comics in the classroom. It provides an agenda for the class that includes discussing the use of semiotic systems in meaning making, examining examples of multimodal texts, and making the case for using comics and graphic novels in lessons. The class will also discuss myths and misconceptions about comics, programs used in Ontario schools, and what can be taught using comics. Students are asked to redesign a past lesson using a multimodal text and share it on their blog, and to comment on classmates' blog posts for the following week.

1. PML4
The Multimodality of Meaning Making

3. Agenda
Complete last week’s semiotic jigsaw exercise
Setting up an RSS feed/edubloggers I recommend
Making a case for comics in the classroom (readings)
Myths, misconceptions.
Programs used in Ontario schools
What can you teach with comics/graphic novels?

4. Semiotic Systems
auditory (for example, music, sound effects, silence)
gestural (for example, facial expression, body language)
linguistic (for example, vocabulary, grammar)
spatial (for example, environmental and architectural spaces)
visual (for example, still and moving images, page and screen
layouts).

5. Texts
Dove: http://www.dove.ca/en/Social-Mission/
Short film: Validation (search on Youtube) or http://bit.ly/
validationmovie
Interactive Telltale Heart: http://bit.ly/knowingpoe
Selection from: Spiegelman, Art. Maus. 1st ed. 1-2. Penguin
Books, 1993.

6. Questions to discuss:
Identify the codes and conventions used to convey meaning
Did your text use more than one semiotic system? How did that
affect your reading and viewing?
Were you more proficient with some systems than with others?
Which ones? Why?

7. Readings
Brown, J. (2010). The case for comics in the classroom.
TEDxOntarioEd Event (video) http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=PpCiH_aBlLQ

9. Lesson Redesign
Choose a lesson from your first practicum placement (doesn’t
matter if it wasn’t English) and revise and redesign it using a text
selection or literacy practice that was not integrated in the
original form.
Share this redesign on your blog. Be sure to credit sources/
original creators.
Due date: (We will decide on this as a class today)

10. For Next Week
Comment on two or three of your classmates’ blog posts.
Comments should attempt to “extend the conversation” in some
way. Ask a question, share a suggestion, etc. Be constructive and
polite.
Blog! Topics? Comics in the classroom? Multimodal texts:
lesson possibilities? How did your literacy experiences as a
student inform your current teaching philosophy?

11. For Next Week
McCloud, S. (2005). Scott McCloud on comics. TED (video). http://
www.ted.com/talks/scott_mccloud_on_comics.html (supplementary)
Young, N. (host) (2009, November 19). Full Interview: Jenna
McWilliams on new media literacy [podcast]. Spark. http://www.cbc.ca/
spark/2009/11/full-interview-jenna-mcwilliams-on-new-media-
literacy/
Lee, R. ECOO 2010 Pecha Kucha by Royan Lee (video) http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqf5sEN5vzM