33 What Is a Multimodal Assignment?
Unit Three Multimedia Project: Writing and Communication in My Field
In this multimedia project, you will use the research and analysis skills you have learned in this class to explore writing and communication in your major field of study. You will gather information through conducting an interview, examining writing from your field, analyzing a job description, and using generative artificial intelligence to explore workplace writing. You will also consider a variety of multimedia approaches to presenting what you learn and select a presentation format that is appropriate for your field. During this research process, consider these questions:
- What opportunities for research, writing, and communication does my major give me?
- What writing and communication skills are important in my major?
- How does my major represent or include diverse voices?
- What do professors/professionals in the field have to say about their work/writing?
- What skills (writing and other) do I now possess that will help me in my area of study?
- How is generative AI being used in my field?
- What will I need to practice and improve on to become a skilled communicator?
NOTE: If you aren’t sure about your “field” yet, this will be a great opportunity for you to explore a potential career. If you don’t think anyone in your field writes, I’ll bet if you think hard enough you can figure out an appropriate angle to make this work. You may email me if you have any concerns or questions.
Grading and Major Due Dates
- Writing tasks (50 points, weeks 11, 14)
- Research Organizer Quiz due Sunday Week 12 (25 points)
- Draft due Sunday Week 14 for peer review (5 points)
- Two peer reviews due Thursday Week 15 (20 points)
- Final project due Sunday Week 15 (100 points)
Your project will consist of a detailed analysis of the writing and communication skills required in your major/career, considering the skills you need to practice to become an exceptional communicator in your field. You’ll need to use at least five sources, as noted below. Be creative and really try to adopt the voice, style, and genre of the field you analyze.
Required Sources
- Personal interview (primary source) with a professional OR professor in your field (in person, phone, or video)
- Peer-reviewed academic article in your field
- Website related to your field in some way (I recommend a workplace or a professional organization)
- Job posting in your field that includes writing/communication requirements
- Generative AI prompt about writing in your field. You will evaluate the AI’s response by using a single prompt and comparing the results of the two generative AIs with each other and with what you have learned about writing in your field from your other sources (make sure you save the links and/or take screenshots!). Here are some example prompts:
- You are a registered nurse working in a pediatric clinic. Create a brief handout for parents that explains the importance of vaccinations. Use a friendly and helpful tone.
- You are a construction manager for a new apartment complex that will have 200 apartment homes. Your potential renters will be young professionals. You will have studio, one bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments available. Create a description of the apartments that can be used in a real estate listing or marketing materials. Include a list of amenities that will be attractive to this demographic.
- You are a fun and approachable high school English teacher. Create a lesson plan to teach students about how to check subject/verb agreement in their writing. Include at least one group activity.
Multimodal Requirements
As part of your assignment, you will determine the most appropriate medium to communicate what you learn about writing in your field. Some possible choices include the following:
- Report (1000-1500 words single spaced; include images)
- Brochure (trifold—750-1000; include visuals)
- PowerPoint, Google Slides, Prezi, or Canva presentation (10-15 slides should be enough. You may narrate your PowerPoint OR include written notes 1000-1500 words; include images)
- Audio essay/podcast (4-5 minutes, 1000-1500 word script)
- Video essay/vlog (4-5 minutes, 1000-1500 word script)
- Blog post (1000-1500 words; examples include Substack and Medium)
- Website (1000-1500 words; examples include Google sites and WordPress Blogs; include images)
- Infographic 500-750 words and accompanying images for each source
- Other: If you have other ideas, please check in with your instructor for approval.
Resources
- Writing in My Field PowerPoint
- How to Interview PowerPoint with sample questions
- Unit Three Multimedia Guide and Examples
Rubric
| Criteria | Description | Points |
| Located and used sources appropriately (CLO 3, 4) | Incorporated all five required sources. Demonstrated critical reading skills by highlighting examples of writing conventions in the major/career. | 30 |
| Developed an analysis of writing in the field, including rhetorical norms and conventions (CLO 2, 4) | Identified and discussed information about writing/communication norms and conventions in the major/career, including research publication and professional organizations/workplaces. Analyzed all five sources for information about writing in the major/career. Provided examples from sources to demonstrate the analysis. Evaluated the role of generative AI in workplace writing. | 30 |
| Demonstrated rhetorical awareness and creativity in approach to subject (CLO 2, 3, 4) | Chose a medium appropriate to the field. Demonstrated creativity in approach to the subject. Considered the relationship of genre standards and institutional hierarchies. | 20 |
| Considered the role of diverse voices in writing (CLO 7) | Looked for evidence of diversity in the chosen major/career. Reflected on role as a future writer in this field. Considered the importance of inclusion in the workplace. | 10 |
| Cited Sources using appropriate conventions (CLO 6)
|
Described conventions for citation/source use in the major/career. Demonstrated evidence of citing either APA style conventions or the major/career conventions both in text and on a references page. Integrated sources appropriately. Demonstrated knowledge of professionalism in communication/writing. | 10 |
