Journal of Business and Technical Communication Apr 2017

Assessing Multimodal Literacy in the Online Technical Communication Classroom

Tiffany Bourelle University of New Mexico ; Andrew Bourelle University of New Mexico ; Stephanie Spong University of New Mexico ; Brian Hendrickson University of New Mexico

Abstract

This article examines the teaching of a multimodal pedagogy in an online technical communication classroom. Based on the results of an e-portfolio assessment, the authors argue that multimodality can be taught successfully in the online environment if the instructor carefully plans and scaffolds each assignment. Specifically, they argue for an increased emphasis within the technical communication classroom on teaching the e-portfolio as a genre that not only exemplifies students’ multimodal literacies but also establishes their identities as technical communicators in the 21st century. This article provides a model for teaching multimodal composition in the online technical communication classroom and calls for more scholarship on teaching the e-portfolio in the digital environment.

Journal
Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Published
2017-04-01
DOI
10.1177/1050651916682288
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Topics
genre theory first-year composition writing pedagogy teacher development assessment portfolios technical communication multimodality literacy studies
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (4)

  1. Stanton et al. (2026)
    When There’s No One Left to Teach It: Preserving Intellectual Depth Through Str…
    Technical Communication Quarterly
  2. Bauer et al. (2025)
    Teaching Ethics in Communication and Business Courses: The Use of Standard Vers…
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  3. Avery et al. (2024)
    Digital Video as a Discussion Board: A Case Study and Collaborative Autoethnogr…
    Journal of Business and Technical Communication
  4. Tham et al. (2023)
    Examining Multimodal Community-Engaged Projects for Technical and Professional …
    Journal of Technical Writing and Communication

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