A Web and room-based videoconference music teaching initiative

Dr Alan Anderson , Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. Email: alan.anderson@scu.edu.au

Dr Jon Fitzgerald, Associate Professor, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW. Email: jon.fitzgerald@scu.edu.au

Keywords

Web, videoconference, music education, online teaching and learning

Abstract

A pilot contemporary music program was designed to test the efficacy of an innovative, blended technologies approach to distance learning. The study used materials (text, video, music notation files) available through a Web-based learning management system (Blackboard™) and an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) room-based videoconferencing system, to teach a music keyboard styles module within a unit entitled Practical Studies II. The study formed part of a project funded by a university Teaching and Learning “Seeding Grant” for research into innovative teaching and learning programs. Recommendations for practice are made in the light of feedback from students, teachers, and technicians involved in the project.