When it comes to deciding if media-rich technology is the answer for music education, we have to balance the benefits it brings and the risks or downsides that come with it.
During this week, we have had the opportunity to see some of the advantages that new technologies bring to musical learning, not only as a tool to work in the classroom, but also as a way to communicate with other people, being them students, teachers or experts from all over the world.
When learning a new instrument, it seems clear that technologies such as youtube can improve the way we learn thanks to the innumerable tutorials we can find for any instrument. There are even structured courses, and lessons based on a teacher evaluating a recording of yourself playing a piece of music. We can also use forums to interchange ideas, and to learn from peers. There is no doubt that the internet is changing the way we learn an instrument.
However, I think we still need the help of a regular teacher who can get to know you, and give good advice. A teacher also can curate the huge amount of material we can access nowadays, making our learning more efficient. Also, a teacher is someone who can personalize our learning on a regular basis.
When it comes to music lessons in school, new technologies can be a great help too. An example of this is the initiative taken by the Afghanistan National Institute of Music, where students can get in touch with students from other countries, and even get lessons and master classes from teachers in European countries.
New technologies also allow us to personalize the learning process in a class with many students. We can create groups and use technologies to allow them to work at their own pace, using tutorials and specific software. Of course, youtube videos, PowerPoint presentations and other programs are also very helpful. The students can even continue learning, playing with apps at home.
However, we need to have in mind that technology, per se, is not a solution. We need to plan the learning intervention, selecting those tools that better fit the task at hand. Many times we can get over excited by technology, abusing it. We need to be well aware of the dangers that screen technologies bring, such as over stimulating our students, and making it difficult for them to focus. There are studies that warn us about the negative effect that screens can have in children.
We should look for a balance when it comes to using these new technologies. I am in favor of them and think they can be very useful, but we need to learn how to use them properly, and need to plan each lesson, justifying the use of these tools and making the most of them.
Below you can see an infographic I've designed that summarize the main points discussed here in favor and against these new technologies applied to learning in general, and to music learning in particular.
I hope you enjoy it!
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