Transmedia

Link for auditory: https://soundcloud.com/user-358186128-20826815/transmedia-5052018-829-pm

Today I will be discussing the topic of transmedia. Transmedia is arguably the least commonly known out of four major elements of change that have happened to society, these include social networking, mobile computing, augmented reality and transmedia (Pence, 2012). Transmedia is believed to have originated in Japan in the 1970s, where it was called “media mix.” (Pence, 2012). A simple definition for transmedia is a narrative that extends beyond multiple media forms that also plays to the strength of those forms (Heick, 2017). In simple terms, all forms of media now have the ability to tell a story with the key difference being audience engagement.

With the digital world we now live in, transmedia has rapidly risen to suit the society we live in. Transmedia allows for the audience to become actively involved and engaged (Rutledge, n.d.). Transmedia stories can be simple, across a few low-tech media platforms. Or they have the ability to transition between the story and reality by bringing the narrative into reality in the form of complex and exciting alternative reality games known as ARG’S (Rutledge, n.d.). ARG’s are where people capture the narrative elements and characters of normal narratives using a virtual experience as part of the story world (Rutledge, n.d.).

Transmedia has a massive impact on education as living in a digital world, children of all ages actively engage in these transmedia stories because of the virtual reality that would excite any child. Imagine being able to actively participate in a story, your favourite kids’ story, the thought of that for many young children would bring a beaming bright smile on any child’s face because of the ability to ‘hands on’ participate in an activity. 

Pence, H. (2012). Teaching With Transmedia. Educational Technology Systems, 40(2), 131-140. https://doi-org.dbgw.lis.curtin.edu.au/10.2190/ET.40.2.d

Heick, T. (2017, August 28). The Definition Of Transmedia [The Future Of Learn]. Retrieved from https://www.teachthought.com/the-future-of-learning/the-definition-of-transmedia/

Rutledge, P. (n.d.). What is Transmedia Storytelling? Retrieved from http://athinklab.com/transmedia-storytelling/what-is-transmedia-storytelling/