DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14483/22487085.22611Published:
2025-11-18Issue:
Vol. 27 No. 2 (2025): CALJ: july-decemberSection:
Research ArticlesUniversity English Learners Designing Digital Multimodal Texts about the Academic Community
Estudiantes universitarios de inglés diseñan textos digitales multimodales sobre la comunidad académica
Keywords:
critical literacies, community pedagogies, eBook, ELT, Multimodality (en).Keywords:
pedagogías críticas, pedagogía basada en comunidad, eBook, ELT, multimodalidad (es).Downloads
Abstract (en)
Today's education must address the challenges posed by an increasingly linguistically diverse society, in which communication has been profoundly reshaped by advances in information and communication technologies. In response to this complex communicative landscape, a qualitative action research study was conducted with a group of undergraduate students enrolled in an intermediate English course at a public university in Colombia. The study aimed to examine to what extent students maximize meaning making in English through the creation of multimodal texts within their university community. During the didactic intervention, which incorporated community pedagogy, multimodal activities were interwoven to scaffold students' multimodal text design. Data were collected through a teacher’s journal, interviews and students’ multimodal eBooks. The findings revealed that multimodality was a powerful means to make community members visible, highlight social issues, and inspire social transformation. Finally, the combination of community pedagogies and multimodality effectively promoted meaning-making in the target language, enhancing students' linguistic competence and critical literacy practices.
Abstract (es)
La educación actual debe hacer frente a los retos de una sociedad cada vez más lingüísticamente diversa, en la que la comunicación se ha visto drásticamente remodelada por el desarrollo de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación. En respuesta a este complejo panorama comunicativo, se llevó a cabo un estudio cualitativo de investigación-acción con un grupo de estudiantes de pregrado inscritos en una asignatura de inglés intermedio en una universidad pública de Colombia. Este estudio pretende analizar hasta qué punto los estudiantes maximizan la elaboración de significados en inglés a través de la creación de textos multimodales dentro de la comunidad universitaria. Durante la intervención didáctica, se entrelazaron actividades comunitarias y multimodales para fomentar el diseño de textos multimodales por parte de los estudiantes. Los datos se recopilaron mediante un diario del docente, entrevistas y los libros electrónicos multimodales producidos por los estudiantes. Los resultados indicaron que la multimodalidad es una herramienta útil para hacer visible a los miembros de la comunidad, destacar problemáticas sociales e inspirar procesos de transformación social. Por último, la combinación de pedagogías comunitarias y multimodalidad fomentó eficazmente la construcción de significados en la lengua meta, mejorando la competencia lingüística y las prácticas críticas de literacidad de los estudiantes.
References
Álvarez-Valencia, J. A. (2016). Meaning making and communication in the multimodal age: Ideas for language teachers. Colombian Applied Linguistics Journal, 18(1), 98-115. https://doi.org/10.14483/calj.v18n1.8403
Álvarez-Valencia, J.A. (2018). Visiones de lengua y enseñanza de lengua extranjera: una perspectiva desde la multimodalidad. In M. Machado (Ed.), Reflexões, perspectivas e práticas no estágio supervisionado em letras (pp.56-72). Cáceres, MG: Editora Unemat.
Banguero Velasco, R., & Gruber, V. (2022). Emancipatory methodologies: Knowledge production and (re)existence of the Misak people in Colombia. PACHA, 3(8), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.46652/pacha.v3i8.95
Batchelor, K. E. (2018). “My Story Came to Life!”: How multimodality can inspire revision in writing. Gifted Child Today, 41(3), 136–148. https://doi.org/10.1177/1076217518768850
Bolaños, F., Florez, K., Gómez, T., Ramirez, M., & Tello, S. (2018). Implementing a community-based project in an EFL rural classroom. Colombian Applied Linguistics Journal, 20(2), 264–274. https://doi.org/10.14483/22487085.13735
Campano, G., & Low, D. (2011). Multimodality and Immigrant Children. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 12(4), 381-384. https://doi.org/10.2304/ciec.2011.12.4.381
Canagarajah, S. (2005). Reclaiming the local in language policy and practice. London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
Caro, H J, & Caro, D A. (2019). Cultural Hegemony Portrayed in Cutting Edge Pre-Intermediate Textbook. Enletawa Journal, 12(2), 42–57. https://doi.org/10.19053/2011835X.10951
Clavijo-Olarte, A. (2015). Implementing Community Based Pedagogies with Teachers in Colombia to enhance the EFL curriculum. En Perales, M. y Méndez, M. (Eds.). Experiencias de docencia e investigación en lenguas extranjeras. pp. 31-43. Chetumal, México: Editorial Universidad Quintana Roo
Clavijo-Olarte, A., & Ramírez, L. M. (2019) Las Pedagogías de la Comunidad a través de investigaciones locales en el contexto urbano de Bogotá. Bogotá: Fondo UD.
Cloonan, A. (2008). Multimodality Pedagogies: A Multiliteracies approach. The International Journal of Learning: Annual Review, 15(9), 159–168. https://doi.org/10.18848/1447-9494/cgp/v15i09/45952
Cope, B., & Kalantzis, M. (1999). Multiliteracies: Lit Learning. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203979402
Cope, B., & Kalantzis, M. (2009). “Multiliteracies”: new literacies, new learning. Pedagogies: An International Journal, 4(3), 164–195. https://doi.org/10.1080/15544800903076044
Farías, M., & Véliz, L. (2019). Multimodal texts in Chilean English teaching education: Experiences from educators and pre-service teachers. Profile: Issues in Teachers’ Professional Development, 21(2), 13-27. https://doi.org/10.15446/profile.v21n2.75172
Florez, A. M. (2018). Strengthening local identity by writing chronicles in the EFL classroom. Colombian Applied Linguistics Journal, 20(2), 185–195. https://doi.org/10.14483/22487085.13121
Freire, P. (2005). Pedagogía del oprimido. Siglo XXI.
Freire, P., & Macedo, D. (1987). Reading the world and the word. Bergin & Garvey.
García León, D. L., García León, J. E., & Hernández Rozo, Y. (2019). Students' beliefs: Multimodal texts as pedagogical tools in foreign language learning. Papeles: Revista de la Facultad de Educación Universidad Antonio Nariño, 11(21), 21–38.
Ghiso, M.P., & Low, D. E. (2013). Students using multimodal literacies to surface micronarratives of United States immigration. Literacy, 47(1), 26-34.
Hafner, C. A. (2015). Remix culture and English language teaching: The expression of learner voice in digital multimodal compositions. TESOL Quarterly, 49(3), 486–509. https://doi.org/10.1002/tesq.238
Huang, S. (2019). EFL learners’ critical multimodal reflections on the politics of English. TESOL Journal, 10(3). https://doi.org/10.1002/tesj.435
Jewitt, C. (2005). Multimodality, “Reading”, and “Writing” for the 21st Century. Discourse, 26(3), 315-331. https://doi.org/10.1080/01596300500200011
Jewitt, C. (2008). Multimodalidad y alfabetización en las aulas escolares. Revista de Investigación en Educación, 32 (1), 241–267. doi:10.3102/0091732X07310586
Jewitt, C. (2009). The Routledge handbook of multimodal analysis. In Routledge eBooks. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/10000883/
Jewitt, C., & Kress, G. (2003). Multimodal Literacy. Peter Lang Publishing.
Jiang, L. (2021). Facilitating EFL students’ civic participation through digital multimodal composing. Language, Culture and Curriculum, 35(1), 102–117. https://doi-org.bibliotecavirtual.uis.edu.co/10.1080/07908318.2021.1942032
Jiang, L., & Guo, M. M. (2022). Understanding youths’ civic participation online: a digital multimodal composing perspective. Learning, Media and Technology, 47(4),537–556. 10.1080/17439884.2022.2044849
Jiang, L., & Luk, J. (2016). Multimodal composing as a learning activity in English classrooms: Inquiring into the sources of its motivational capacity. System, 59, 1-11. doi:10.1016/j.system.2016.04.001
Kress, G. (2000). ‘Multimodality’ Multiliteracies: Literacy Learning and the Design of Social Futures. En B. Cope y M. Kalantzis (Eds.), Multiliteracies: Literacy Learning and the Design of Social Futures (pp. 182202). Macmillan.
Kress, G. (2009). Multimodality: A Social Semiotic Approach to Contemporary Communication (Illustrated). Routledge.
Kress, G. (2011). Multimodal discourse analysis from: The Routledge Handbook of Discourse Analysis. Routledge
Kress, G., & Leeuwen, T. V. (2006). Reading Images: The Grammar of Visual Design (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Kress, G., & Van Leeuwen, T. (2002). Colour as a semiotic mode: notes for a grammar of colour. Visual Communication, 1(3), 343–368. https://doi.org/10.1177/147035720200100306
Kumaravadivelu, B. (2003). A postmethod perspective on English language teaching. World Englishes, 22(4), 539–550.
Kumaravadivelu, B. (2006). Understanding Language Teaching: From Method to Postmethod (1st ed.). Taylor and Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781410615725
Lastra, S. P., Acosta, D., & Durán, N. C. (2018). Community based pedagogy as an eye–opening for pre-service teachers’ initial connections with the school curriculum. Colombian Applied Linguistics Journal, 20(2), 196–209. https://doi.org/10.14483/22487085.13047
Medina, R.A, Ramírez, L. M., & Clavijo-Olarte, A. (2015). Reading the community critically in the digital age: a multiliteracies approach. In P. Chamness M., Mantero. M. & Hendo. H (Eds). ISLS Readings in Language Studies: Vol. 5. (pp.45-66). Grandville, MI: International Society for Language Studies
Mills, G. E. (2011). Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
Moll, L. C., Amanti, C., Neff, D. & González, N. (1992). Funds of knowledge for teaching: A qualitative approach to connect households and classrooms. Theory into Practice, 31(2), 132-141.
Murrell, P. C. (2000). Community Teachers: A Conceptual Framework for Preparing Exemplary Urban Teachers. The Journal of Negro Education, 69(4), 338–348. https://doi.org/10.2307/2696249
Nachmann, S. (2021). “Dignity, purity, hope” (The slogan of the British suffragettes). In Towards emancipation? Women in modern European history: A digital exhibition & encyclopedia. https://hist259.web.unc.edu/the-colors/
New London Group. (1996). A Pedagogy of Multiliteracies: Designing Social Futures. Harvard Educational Review, 66(1), 60–93.
Nieto, Y. (2018). Promoting the Use of Local Literacies in EFL Pre-Service Teachers to Inspire their Teaching Practice. Colomb. Appl. Linguist. J., 20(2), 249–263. https://doi.org/10.14483/22487085.13005
Nuñez-Pardo, A. (2018). The English Textbook. Tensions from an Intercultural Perspective. GIST – Education and Learning Research Journal, (17), 230–259. https://doi.org/10.26817/16925777.402
Nuñez-Pardo, A. (2020). Inquiring into the Coloniality of Knowledge, Power, and Being in EFL Textbooks. HOW, 27(2), 113–133. https://doi.org/10.19183/how.27.2.566
Núñez-Pardo, A., & Téllez-Téllez, M. F. (2022). Defying Culture Hegemony through Teacher Generated EFL Materials. U. Externado de Colombia.
Pabón, L. (2019). Integrating Community-Based Learning to Improve Academic Writing [Master Dissertation]. Universidad Industrial de Santander.
Quintero L. M., & Clavijo-Olarte, A. (2023). Decolonizing ELT teacher education by incorporating knowledge of local communities in the teaching practicum. F1000Research, 12, 1264. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.133704.1
Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2001). Approaches and methods in language teaching. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9780511667305
Rincón J., & Clavijo-Olarte A. (2016). Fostering EFL learners’ literacies through local inquiry in a multimodal experience. Colombian Applied Linguistics Journal, 18(2), pp. 67-82 http://dx.doi.org/10.14483/calj.v18n2.10610
Rowsell, J. (2013). Working with Multimodality: Rethinking Literacy in a Digital Age. Routledge.
Rowsell, J., & Walsh, M. (2011). Rethinking Literacy Education in New Times: Multimodality, Multiliteracies, & New Literacies. Brock Education Journal, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.26522/brocked.v21i1.236
Royce, T. (2002). Multimodality in the TESOL classroom: Exploring visual-verbal synergy. TESOL Quarterly , 36(2), 191-205.
Sakulprasertsri, K. (2020). Teachers’ Integration of Multimodality into 21st Century EFL Classrooms in Thailand: Practice and Perception. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network Journal, 13(2), 225-242.
Sharkey, J. (2012). Community-based pedagogies and literacies in language teacher education: Promising beginnings, intriguing challenges. Ikala: Revista de Lenguaje y Cultura, 17(1), 9-13. https://doi.org/10.17533/udea.ikala.11519
Sharkey, J., & Clavijo-Olarte, A. (2012). Promoting the value of local knowledge in ESL EFL teacher education through community-based field assignments. In B. Medrado & C. Reichmann (Eds.), Projetos e práticas na formação de professores de língua inglesa (pp. 71–86). Editora Universitária UFPB.
Sharkey, J., Clavijo-Olarte, A., & Ramírez, M. (2016) Developing a Deeper Understanding of Community-Based Pedagogies With Teachers: Learning With and From Teachers in Colombia. Journal of Teacher Education, 67(3), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022487116654005
Wang, Q. (2015). Study on the New Model of College English Teaching under the Setting of Multimodality. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 3(8), 473–477. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2015.030801
Way, L., & McKerrell, S. (2017). Music as multimodal discourse: Semiotics, power and protest. Newcastle University eBooks. https://eprints.ncl.ac.uk/213148
Yuan, H. (2017). Preparing Teachers for Diversity: A Literature Review and Implications from Community-Based Teacher Education. Higher Education Studies, 8(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.5539/hes.v8n1p9
How to Cite
APA
ACM
ACS
ABNT
Chicago
Harvard
IEEE
MLA
Turabian
Vancouver
Download Citation
Metrics
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Jessica Marcela Velandia Santamaría, Luz Mary Quintero

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
NonCommercial — You may not use the material for commercial purposes.
NoDerivatives — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified material.
The journal allow the author(s) to hold the copyright without restrictions. Also, The Colombian Apllied Linguistics Journal will allow the author(s) to retain publishing rights without restrictions.






