Why Digital Assignments?

Supports multimodal learning – digital assignments are one way to integrate multi-modal elements (e.g. text, audio, images, animation) into your teaching. Multimodal learning has been found to “result in significant gains in basic and higher-order learning” (Metiri Group, 2008; Sankey et al., 2010). Presenting course materials in more than one mode may “lead learners to perceive that it is easier to learn and improve attention…in particular for lower-achieving students” (Sankey et al., 2010).

Appeal to multiple learning preferences and increase learner engagement – digital assignments can appeal to multiple preferences (e.g. visual, aural, written) through it’s use of images, animation, text and audio (Berk, 2009; Sankey et al., 2010; Kearney and Schuck, 2004; Reid et al., 2002).

Help students understand complex information – using text and pictures can assist students with difficult concepts, “Shah and Freedman (2003) discuss a number of benefits of using visualisations in learning environments, including: (1) promoting learning by providing an external representation of the information; (2) deeper processing of information; and (3) maintaining learner attention by making the information more attractive and motivating, hence making complex information easier to comprehend” (cited in Sankey et al., 2010).

Authentic learning – using a social media, videos, infographics and other digital assignments with your students presents an opportunity for an authentic learning experience as these are tools they will likely be using in their careers. As described in this k-12 study of a video project, “authenticity was apparent through the ability of DV [digital video] to be used in real-world contexts; to develop life skills; and to be produced for a real audience” (Kearney and Schuck, 2004).

Develop digital literacies – digital skills are vital for our students, “As 90% of new jobs will require excellent digital skills, improving digital literacy (by which we mean those capabilities essential for living, learning and working in a digital society) is a key component for developing effective and employable learners” (JISC, 2013). Using digital assignments can help students develop various digital skills.

Strengthen multiple core literacies – Seneca’s Strategic Plan identifies multiple core literacies that our students should demonstrate competency in upon graduation. Using digital assignments can help strengthen many of these literacies including, written and oral communication, information literacy, creative thinking, inquiry and analysis, critical thinking and problem solving, digital literacy, etc.