Teachers´ experiences regarding digital and multimodal writing tasks

Abstract: The evolving technologies used for communication has made an impact in the educational system as digital tools are becoming more common. With the digital tools of today, it is possible to create multimodal texts in which different language expressions are combined. The new possibilities for presenting content creates higher demands on today's learners as they are faced with challenges both as receivers, and users of language. This study aims to examine teachers experiences and perspectives regarding the planning of multimodal writing tasks, with use of digital tools. The study also sets out to explore how teachers perceive the use of multiple modes in such tasks, and how the growing technologies may affect their teaching of English in year 4-9. The results shows that the planning of multimodal writing tasks commonly includes images, the use of digital tools and oral presentations. In the described projects, the multiple modes were used either as a support for the writing production or seen as an equal part of the assignment. Furthermore, all participating teachers agreed on that multimodal writing tasks can be beneficial for students communicative skills, and in creating students motivation. However, the results also shows teachers challenges when conducting multimodal writing tasks, as in support for learning new digital tools, the connections to the syllabus and possible difficulties regarding students IT knowledge. The results imply that much of the competence needed to successfully conduct multimodal writing tasks, comes from the teachers own ambition to learn and administrate such tasks.