Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jul 2015

Filter. Remix. Make.: Cultivating Adaptability Through Multimodality

Lisa Dusenberry Armstrong Atlantic State University ; Liz Hutter Georgia Institute of Technology ; Joy Robinson University of Alabama in Huntsville

Abstract

This article establishes traits of adaptable communicators in the 21st century, explains why adaptability should be a goal of technical communication educators, and shows how multimodal pedagogy supports adaptability. Three examples of scalable, multimodal assignments (infographics, research interviews, and software demonstrations) that evidence this philosophy are discussed in detail. Asking students to communicate multimodally drives them to effectively filter information, remix modes, and remake practices that are core characteristics of adaptable communicators. Beyond teaching students how to teach themselves as an essential part of living in an information society, contending with new and unfamiliar tools also prepares students for their roles as empathic mediators in the workplace.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
2015-07-01
DOI
10.1177/0047281615578851
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Open Access
Closed
Topics
writing pedagogy teacher development technical communication multimodality
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Citation Context

Cited by in this index (7)

  1. Tan et al. (2025)
    Purposeful remixing with generative AI: Constructing designer voice in multimod…
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  2. Overstreet et al. (2024)
    The “Multimodal Spiral”: Rethinking the Communication Curriculum at an English …
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  3. Tham et al. (2023)
    Examining Multimodal Community-Engaged Projects for Technical and Professional …
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  4. Andrews (2022)
    Designing a Course in Business Communication
    Business and Professional Communication Quarterly
  5. Dusenberry et al. (2020)
    Building Psychological Safety Through Training Interventions: Manage the Team, …
    IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication
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  1. Robinson et al. (2019)
    State of the Field: Teaching with Digital Tools in the Writing and Communicatio…
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  2. Blevins (2018)
    Teaching Digital Literacy Composing Concepts: Focusing on the Layers of Augment…
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