Does Technology have a place in music education?

Over the past thirty years, technology has exploded across the globe. US consumers alone spent 106.9 billion dollars on technology in 2009. Over 85% of US citizens have used the Internet to purchase something, and 96% of teens between the ages of nine and seventeen use social networking. Technology is a part of every aspect of our day, and many cannot imagine life without it.

Music and technology have always gone hand in hand. From microphones and sound equipment, to Garage band and Finale, musicians use technology on a daily basis. But when it comes to music education, technology is much harder to find. In the recent economic state, many schools have chosen to not fund technology for the music department.

Why is music being cut off the list of programs that deserve this valuable asset? Simply put, music is not at the top of the priority list at the moment. With the arts being cut left and right, funding has been cut drastically. I remember my high school music teacher begging the district office for a smart board and being denied because they didn't think it was necessary. Instead, the English and Biology department received iPads.

Why is everyone so convinced that music does not need technology? Music as an industry has become completely digital, and yet throughout my high school years I barely used computers in my music classes. It never dawned on me that I might be missing out on key opportunity for advancement.  

But upon reading Bauer’s' articles titled "Conceptual Framework" and "Personal Learning Network", I began to see what a valuable tool technology can be for an educator; in particular a music educator. Studies have shown that technology is known to improve student’s achievement, help with problem solving, increase motivation, and prepare them better for the real world.

Then I got to think about all the different ways technology can be used in music. Composition, analysis, listening exercises, audio technology, sound equipment, and online music exercises all at ones fingertips. Imagine a class where each student was given a computer on which to compose, record, and edit a song. He or she would learn much more about theory than any student learning out of a textbook. If the school boards gave music a chance with technology, programs could grow to new heights. For most music teachers however, the sad reality is that they must make do with what little means they are given.

The good thing though is that if teachers are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty, they can use technology to help further their cause without breaking the schools budget. Social media sights can be highly beneficial for educators. Twitter feeds, blogs, podcasts, and wiki links can show teachers new techniques and methods, as well as spark ideas for future lessons. With so much information at ones fingertips a teacher can learn valuable techniques from the comfort of their recliner. 

I never realized how many different ways technology could be harnessed to help an educator. But after reading these articles, it has definitely been proven to me that technology is a valuable asset for making a good teacher even better. If an educator knows his or her subject, knows how to teach it, and knows how to integrate technology into the lesson he or she can help to teach students and have them actually comprehend what is being given to them. We are entering a dawning age of new technology and must embrace it and use it to our advances as opposed to fighting and losing vital opportunities.