Tools that have been made available to the general public in the last few years have enhanced the way we respond to music, as we have tremendous access to wide variety of musics. Software applications such as SoundHound and Shazam enable listeners to use a smart device to identify music through a short segment of the recording, and then add the track through various playback programs. Playback applications such as Spotify and Rdio leverage algorithm based, preferential music suggestions similar to Pandora and Slacker, but now with added access to vast libraries of music that would be cost prohibitive to purchase. In our music classes, providing access to specifically chosen literature does not require CDs or tapes, digital music can be embedded into webpages or discussion boards to facilitate human response to music. Additionally, programs such as Zaption allow content to be enhanced with text or images, to create an audio “tour’ of an online video, such as this example I created for my students auditioning in the TMEA All-State Choir process.
Identify types of music software and discuss how to evaluate software titles.
Current technology development has afforded consumers applications that are highly featured in phone, tablet, and computer based packaging. Additionally, the path to market for developers has greatly decreased the time needed to create a feature robust title that is geared to a specific niche market, such as apps like
One way that educators inform their own pedagogical practices is through sharing of information and model lessons. As we have used an ad hoc personal learning network throughout this course, using sources that have been shared on Twitter with a specific hashtag (#UFMUE), many other instructional technologists collaborate similarly. At conferences, PowerPoint presentations often include instructional resources documented through social bookmarking sites such as Delicious. If we as educators become diligent and organized sharers of these resources, the potential for our colleagues to enhance lessons by incorporating new or more developed uses of additional content for our students.