Abstract[]
The effects of changing sound and other forms of media and the interpretation of the finished project. Sound engineering works toward multimodal soundness, to bring together the senses and get the point of the project across to different audiences.
Key Concepts[]
In this article, Shipka is supporting the move toward multimodal soundness. What this means is that an activity based on multimodal theory of composing "draws on theories of mediated activity and rejects the highly decontextualized skills and drills linear, single-mode approach to writing instruction, offering participants instead a richer and more intricately textured understanding of how communicative practices are socially and historically mediated." In teaching multimodal theory, Shipka requires students to make things that are soundly engineered. In this context Shipka is referring to both meanings of sound engineering: 1) the project is made with sound; and 2) the project is put together soundly, i.e. based on reason, sense, and judgement. Shipka further states, "...an activity-based multimodal theory of composing privileges purposeful choosing, experimentation, and communicative flexibility by treating all modes, materials, and methodologies as equally significant for meaning and communication, potentially so at least."
Multimodal (multimedia): Using different mediums to present an idea such as using sound, text, and pictures in one project.
Affordance of sound: The relationship between the sound and the movement or action of the object. Sound helps us understand difficult actions between the user and the object. For example, even though it is not a difficult action, when we swipe to unlock our phone, it makes the sound of a lock unlocking. These simple sounds help us realize the action that we have made and also reassures us that the action has been made.
Soundness: Being able to stand up to scrutiny. Not about whether an argument made or project presented is right or wrong, but about how well you can explain it and if you have thought it through.