This presentation described the Transmedia Teaching Framework: a social-constructivist approach to education designed to empower learners to be active co-creators of knowledge. The framework is theoretically built on the concepts of Transmedia Storytelling, Participatory culture and Multiple Intelligence Theory. It can be integrated into the Flipped Classroom method, and practically addressed using content based instruction (CBI) and project-based learning (PBL) approaches. The presenter described how the framework had been developed and integrated into the EAP Reading curriculum at Akita International University (AIU). He showed examples of the high level work students produced, outlined specific assessment criteria, and demonstrated how students learned from previous cohorts. The Framework is easy to implement and gives the opportunity for technologically-challenged teachers to immediately integrate technology in their modules, develop technological skills by collaborating with their students, and assume the role of content and language expert.
A lively discussion followed the informative presentation
About Mr. James Reid:
James Reid is a Lecturer at Akita International University in Japan, where he teaches Academic Reading. He holds a BA in History, an MA in Applied Linguistics and is studying for a PhD in Higher Education at Lancaster University. His recent research involves the activation of intrinsic motivation in university settings through the use of student generated storytelling. He has written a number of papers on how emergent Internet-based social affinity spaces can be co-opted for educational purposes – both in terms of student and teacher development.
Akita JALT 