Moving from theory to practice: Applying the four meta-literacy model to the business communication classroom

The multiple mixed-method case studies approach responds to the need for multimodal literacy and multiliteracies assessment in higher education to address the current digital workplace communication gap. The 4ML theoretical model for digital multimodal communication provided the basis for a scoring rubric and an analytical framework for multimodal content analysis. The model was an effective tool for diagnosing multimodal composers’ literacy levels in digital literacy, multimedia skill literacy, multimodal design literacy, and rhetorical literacy. Additionally, the visual analysis of undergraduate multimodal slide decks provided qualitative insight into multiliteracies’ strengths and gaps. The findings support the use of the 4ML model in business and professional communication classrooms to enhance digital multimodal communication competencies.