# Vlog-Based Multimodal Composing: Enhancing EFL Learners' Writing Performance
## 2 Literature Review  
### Multimodal Composing and Vlog  
Writing is no longer \"monomodal\", while it has become multimodal [11]. First, it is important to distinguish between multimodal composing and multimodal writing, since they are regarded as almost the same in many research studies [12]. To a certain extent, multimodal composing does not mean multimodal writing. Multimodal composing refers to some multimodal teaching activities under the guidance of \"design learning\" theory, which moves beyond alphabetic print to utilize additional modes as well, such as audio, video or images, etc. [13]. Multimodal writing is when teachers adopt multimodal resources in classroom teaching, which focus on the effects that multimodal methods bring about in class and traditional methods of conveying meaning through pen and paper, which are only monomodal. However, multimodal composing emphasizes the process by which students use \"text, images, sound, music, gestures and other social symbols to communicate and create\" [14], which is based on multimodality and student-centered learning. Video compositions, graphic writing, digital video composing, etc. can be regarded as forms of multimodal composing. Therefore, considering the characteristics of this study, the authors adopt the features of multimodal composing. Multimodal composing has become an important trend in EFL learning [14]. Researchers have documented the effects of multimodal composing on the improvement of EFL learners' learning performance. For instance, [PERSON] and [PERSON] [15] reveal how multimodal documentary essays improved EFL learners' traditional writing performance, and the research results show that multimodal composing can not only enhance writing performance, but also help learners better meet challenges in real life. [PERSON] and [PERSON] [16] discuss that compared with traditional pen and paper writing, the application of multimodal composing to teaching EFL writing can enhance the motivation of students with learning difficulties. Learners have their own preferences on different modes, but visual resources have a more positive influence than traditional methods in writing [17]. [PERSON] [18] reveals that students show positive responses to improve their writing ability by teaching multimodal texts. Though traditional and multimodal methods of writing can both improve EFL learners' narrative writing, the multimodal composing method provides more feasible suggestions for teachers and students. To conclude, several studieshave upheld the notion that the integration of multimodal composing into EFL teaching can improve learners' language performance, learning attitudes and outcomes [19,20]. Nowadays, students have been not only exposed to teaching and learning materials presented in the classroom, but also some audio-visual materials on the Internet [21]. Using online SNS has become a rapidly growing trend. According to [PERSON] [22] and [PERSON] [23], there are several features of SNS that can be used in language classroom. [PERSON] [24] defined vlogs as video blogging, which is a form of activity such as recording videos that are combined with texts, images, sounds, animations, and videos, etc. For some people, especially for educators, vlogs are not only an entertainment tool for teenagers, but also a useful method for teaching. Several researchers state that vlogs have a positive influence on students' English learning and enrich English teaching modes and teaching resources [25]. More importantly, its appearance meets the need of L2 English learners in line with the characteristics of young EFL students. A high proportion of vlog studies in EFL teaching demonstrate that the application increases students' interaction, develops teaching efficacy and helps EFL learners improve language skills [26,27]. For example, [PERSON] [28] points out that the use of vlogs helps with teachers' language teaching and learners' performance in English. Much research has been devoted to vlogs application to the improvement of EFL listening and speaking classes.