Multimedia and multimodal are two differing functions in the purpose(s) of relaying information. Multimodal is the various combinations of modes (form of communication) to convey or produce a particular message. We use multimedia such as: television, radio, newsprint/magazines, internet and phones to spread these modalities. Linguistics, visuals, aural, spatial, and gestural are the five modes.
Linguistic Mode Response:
This message comes across sincere and uplifting, "our thoughts and our prayers..." enforces the ending statement concerning the rebuild and recovery of Japan. Though at first read, the statement seemed insincere and that without the direction of our president America would be unable to lend assistance to Japan. The overall tone of the statement is comforting and portrays Americas willingness to aid Japan in anyway.
Visual Mode Response:
Color and profile pictures are two visual differences I notice between the profiles. I can't really understand the person going off the profile color choice, though judging by the profile pictures I feel that Fig 1.4 is more personalized than Fig. 1.3's, which has a more basic and general visual look. We have a partial mug shot of the person we can assume manages the profile in fig. 1.3. Whereas we have a panda toon image for fig. 1.4's profile. In addition, when looking at the text, it appears that Fig. 1.4's profile has a more personal use, and Fig. 1.3 is used for academic purposes. As of right now, I currently don't have a twitter account.
Aural Mode Response:
In the creative commons advertisement, there were musical and vocal aural elements. The music became ambient to the vocal message, and had this soothing zen affect which was broken up once in awhile by bass beats. This ad had an abstract and current tone emphasized by the aural elements. the speaker sounds like a fellow student or partner, emitting this sense of teamwork and togetherness. Bluegrass or country wouldn't fit with this mode, both tend to have a depressing tone.
Spatial Mode Response:
Washington State's homepage seems dominated by a circulating picture band located at the center of the page. Each image frame consist of subjects that are easily identifiable yet don't get in the way. I feel this site deters viewers from the smaller text bar below the picture, as well as smaller text links and search bar located above. After some tinkering with the home page the person may find out that you can click on the alternating images to unravel more links and information regarding the three key subjects: Learning, research, and community. Without further play of the homepage, I feel the arrangement could be fine tuned better so that the viewer doesn't need to discover that the center pics fold out to provide more info. Though it was a cool way to consolidate the information, I felt if the center images and content were expanded, the site would be much better. Also, if the content on the bottom were switched with that above it, there would be a better flow of information as we see smaller text and gradually scroll down to the larger.
Gestural Mode Response:
President Obama's gestures aid his speech, in that it helps to emphasize key points and topics. These gestures help in identifying these key issues in such when does a downward fist-point, he's making the associated words big and bold. When he does his double open handed motion it seems to relate with an action such as coming together or moving forward. I feel this helps to visualize what the president is addressing. Plus it works much like a conductor and helps the speaker and the viewer/audience hear and retain the tempo of the speech/message.
I really like the idea that we use multimedia to spread modalities. I'm not quite sure I would've said it that way myself, but it's very intriguing and makes total sense to me. That is, modes aren't media specific (basically).
ReplyDeleteYou did a good job being specific with your responses on the modes. You could've said a bit more of what you noticed and what effects you felt these choices had, but overall this is a really strong post. Thanks.
I like how you essentially summed up the difference between multimodal and multimedia in a quick yet very clear way. Not only does the way you describe it make sense to me but I'm not sure that I could have worded it better myself.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great, simple differentiation between multimedia and multimodal! I expected you to elaborate, but I read it again and it makes total sense and doesn't need any further explanation. I answered a bit differently, saying that multimedia is a digital (web, tv, radio) way of communicating the text, but I think all of our answers vary to a certain degree. I wonder if the difference between the two is more an opinion or a written fact.
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