Multi-Modal Learning: Types, Benefits & Examples

Every human brain processes information in a unique way. According to a 2018 study from the University of Zurich, each human brain has a unique anatomy, similar to fingerprints. This individuality is due to differences in genetic coding and life experiences.

 

So, if everyone receives, stores, and processes information differently, how can you teach your entire class or team using the same learning approach? The solution is multimodal learning, which allows your entire team to easily process the same information.

 

Teaching a concept using visual, auditory, reading, writing, and kinaesthetic methods is called multimodal learning. Its goal is to improve teaching quality by matching content delivery with the best mode of learning from the student.

 

Also Read | What is Learning Analytics? Challenges and Types

 

What is Multi-Modal Learning?

 

Multimodal learning engages students with content through the use of various modes or mediums of communication. It is based on the VARK learning style model, which states that different students learn best through visual, auditory, reading/writing, or kinesthetic interactions with content. 

 

Images and graphics are required for visual learners. Auditory learners require face-to-face interactions to hear content. Texts are preferred by students who learn best through reading and writing. 

 

Kinesthetic learners learn through hands-on experience. While some students prefer one learning style over another, others perform best when working with a combination of two or more modalities.

 

Multimodal deep learning, according to the Academy of Mine, is a teaching strategy that relies on the use of various types of media and teaching tools to instruct and educate learners, typically through the use of a Learning Management System (LMS). 

 

When using a multimodal learning system, words on a page or the voice of a teacher giving a lecture are combined with videos, pictures, audio files, and hands-on exercises to provide the learner with the best possible opportunity to learn.

 

To understand the theory of multimodal learning, you must first understand the modalities that are used. These modes are information channels. They are as follows:

 

• Speech

• Audio

• Printed and written

• Illustrations

 

All of these modes are included in multimodal learning styles, and most e-learning platforms cover all of the features so that education providers can include them. It is widely acknowledged that multimodal learning methods are more efficient and effective educators. 

 

People learn better when they are exposed to visual content. It has been proven that visuals account for 80 percent of the information that reaches the human brain (photos, graphs, infographics, videos, etc.).

 

In the real world, information is typically delivered in a variety of formats. Images, for example, are typically associated with tags and text explanations; text contains images to more clearly express the article's main idea. Different statistical properties distinguish different modalities. 

 

Images, for example, are typically represented as pixel intensities or feature extractor outputs, whereas texts are typically represented as discrete word count vectors. It is critical to discover the relationship between different modalities due to the distinct statistical properties of different information resources. 

 

Multimodal learning is an effective model for representing the combined representations of various modalities. The multimodal learning model can also fill in a missing modality using observed ones.

 

Also Read | Top Learning Management Systems 

 

Importance of Multi-Modal Learning

 

Students have a wide range of learning styles when they arrive at school. As a result, the ideal educational experience should include and support all modes. Multimodality contributes to a universal design for learning by effectively communicating concepts and ensuring that everyone receives exactly what they require. 

 

For example, 

 

• Having text and audio supports both reading and hearing.

• Images and animation can assist in focusing attention.

• Examples can help with comprehension.

 

Children can benefit from multimodal learning as well as improve their abilities. According to Cisco research, students who were given a mix of text and visuals learned better than those who only received text inputs. Multimodal learning is more effective at teaching than the more rigid unimodal learning that you might imagine in traditional classroom settings.

 

‘No two students learn in the same way. So, whether you're teaching senior executives or a 10-year-old child, multimodal learning is the best approach. It is learner-friendly because it uses a learning mode that caters to individual preferences.

 

Learners become fully engaged and motivated when they can learn exactly how they want. As a result, information retention, performance, and productivity improve.

 

Types of Multimodal Learning

 

Human senses are central to multimodal learning techniques. Thus, based on the VARK learning style that you should target, there are four main types of multimodal learning. They are‌:

---

Types of Multi-Modal Learning

---

 

1. Visual Education

 

Graphics, photos, infographics, videos, and other media that can evoke visual senses in learners are examples of visual learning.

 

There are numerous excellent visual tools available for creating interactive learning materials. To improve learners' knowledge acquisition and retention, you can create interactive picture puzzles and games.

 

2. Auditory Education

 

Auditory learning styles are designed for students who have excellent listening skills. Individuals can listen to audio lessons while driving or performing other tasks, making this mode of learning useful for employee training.

 

Today, audio learners account for nearly 30% of the population. As a result, you can create your audio multimodal learning material using resources such as podcasts, webinars, audiobooks, and group discussions.

 

3. Physical Learning

 

Kinesthetic learning is a type of active learning. This technique combines multiple learning modes, such as live demonstrations, site visits, and multimedia presentations. This multimodal learning environment stimulates each learner's senses, keeping them engaged and motivated.

 

4. Writing and Reading

 

The more traditional method of learning is through reading and writing. It is a straightforward text-based learning model that can be used to train employees, customers, and other stakeholders. Using this method, you can create PDFs, blogs, and white papers and distribute them via email or as part of an eLearning course.

 

Also Read | Data Democratization

 

 

Benefits of Multi-Modal Learning 

 

The ability of blended and multimodal learning to reach people who benefit from different learning styles is a key benefit. Assisting employees in understanding their Individual learning styles can help them leverage resources that are compatible with how they process information most effectively. Visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and textual learning styles are all common. We’ve listed some common benefits of multi-modal learning. 

 

1. Employees who prefer to learn through graphs, images, videos, or other visual cues are known as visual learners. Consider including lessons that allow them to comment on visual elements or illustrate concepts to engage these students.

 

2. Auditory learners learn best through auditory cues. They would rather listen and relisten to information than write it down. These employees perform well in activities requiring them to speak and repeat key information, either in conversation or through presentation formats.

 

3. Kinesthetic learners are those who learn through movement and hands-on experience. These employees benefit from interactive exercises, and repetition helps them retain information.

 

4. Textual learners learn best when they write down information and take the time to read it. Traditional written materials work well for these employees. Writing exercises help reinforce lessons for them as well.

 

As there are various types of learning, it is critical to provide a variety of adaptable teaching tools. 

 

Finally, a lesson that incorporates multiple mediums of information can engage a diverse range of employees. Because they provide flexibility and easy access to learning resources, blended and multimodal learning result in more inclusive and effective training programs.

 

Blended curriculums, for example, frequently include microlearning, which involves breaking down large concepts into bite-sized chunks. This gives learners more time to absorb information and increases flexibility. Microlearning content can also be easily archived, allowing learners to return to training resources as needed.

 

Employees can easily move through online training at their own pace when microlearning is combined with blended teaching. Learner-driven micro lessons can also be followed by instructor-led classes, which allow trainers to reinforce concepts and employees to ask questions.

 

Also Read | What is Ensemble Learning? 

 

Examples of Multi-Modal Learning

 

Now that you understand the fundamentals, let's discuss some ‌examples of multi-modal learning : 

 

1. Case Study Instruction

 

When students work on real-life examples, learning becomes easier. When presenting new material or concepts, it is recommended that you use real-life examples to make the points more clear. Furthermore, such examples motivate learners because they realize that what they learn is necessary and useful in everyday life. What could be better than teaching students how to do things in real life?

 

2. Group Assignments

 

Group projects are useful for teaching your team members how to work collaboratively. They will learn how to complete a project by utilizing the strengths of individual team members. It is an excellent strategy for multimodal learning and team building.

 

3. Multimedia research projects

 

Encourage multimodal research by undertaking projects that require a variety of sources and modes. New forms of media are becoming increasingly popular, providing students with many options for gathering information. Multimedia research projects cause students gathering information from various media sources, both traditional and digital.

 

Assign research projects that require students to use at least three different media sources. Books, digital libraries, news clips, podcasts, and online articles are all examples.

 

4. Educational Games

 

Educational and brain-teasing games are the most effective way to integrate multimedia learning into your organization. There are numerous learning games available online that you can use to train your employees, including MentalUP, Tangram, and others.

 

Every student has the opportunity to learn and grow in their own way when educational environments are optimized for multimodal learning. Everyday life is full of multimodal inputs, and the most effective teaching methods should reflect this variety.

 

Keep in mind that every student learns differently. As a result, a multimodal approach must provide the most relevant and effective modes of communication and expression options.

 

Also Read | Guide to Transfer Learning

 

We conclude that multimodal learning is extremely effective at improving the quality of the teaching process and increasing student productivity. All of these teaching methods and examples (and more) are easily implemented through e-learning channels. Some automation tools in the digital industry even improve the process and help to avoid manual mechanical work. Isn't this fantastic!