A Study of Multimodal Discourse in the Design of Interactive Digital Material for Language Learning

This study analyses some published interactive materials for the learning of Spanish as a f?irst language and English as a Foreign Language (EFL) commonly used in primary and secondary education in Spain. The present investigation looks into the relationships between text and image on the interface of Interactive Digital Material (IDM) to develop learners' language skills. Screen design is evaluated with regards to the following formal units of analysis: graphic elements (shape, colour, size, resolution, significance), typography (style, colour, size, readability), composition (location, ratio) and action (recognition and effects) to assess their functionality in various learning activities. A discussion is also presented on the way these features of multimodal discourse can influence the language learning processes. [For the complete volume, "New Perspectives on Teaching and Working with Languages in the Digital Era," see ED565799.]