Jen’s Blog

“This [is a] computer-based, web-based world. This is where they are… it’s not like I’m asking them to do something really different. I’m just giving them some outlet for their creative possibilities” (Murphy, Mercer, & Rose, 2007).

The following critique concerns the video about Andrew Mercer’s e-teaching in distance music education classes. In his program, “Experiencing Music 2200”, Mercer perceives e-teaching as giving students relevant cultural and artistic experiences to enhance the learning process. He aims to teach within the student’s environment, in their world. He uses web-based software such as Piczo, a kid-oriented webpage builder, and incorporates relevant news and podcasts.
Mercer has adopted the philosophy advocated by many researchers in the e-learning field that technology must be incorporated for a valid purpose (Tooley, 2005; Pugh and Pugh, 1998, p.100). “I’m not interested in incorporating technology into my teaching practice unless there is a valid pedagogical use for it. I’m more interested in a solid learning experience, enhanced by these tools” (Murphy, Mercer, & Rose, 2007). Mercer also adopts a constructivist approach to his teaching, becoming a facilitator and guide. He aims to gives students the skills and tools to create things they can be proud of.
Mercer also believes that teaching with technology should provide a unique means for students to publish their work. He explains that a student in his class recorded a piano solo, created a video clip and posted the music video on youtube. This video has now had over 5000 hits all across the world. Students have access to a world-wide audience for their music, greater than any classroom performance.

While this video primarily focuses on distance education in a secondary school setting, the principles employed can be transferred to any classroom. Technology must provide students with relevant and engaging learning experiences and should give them opportunities to make their ‘voice’ known to an audience. With the Internet becoming a part of daily life for children, teachers should use this as (Pugh & Pugh, 1998)a means to connect with students and teach them the necessary skills to create and use this tool meaningfully.

References

Murphy, E., Mercer, A., Rose, A. (Writers), Murphy, E., Mercer, A., & Rose, A.
(Directors). (2007). E-teaching [Motion Picture].

Pugh, A., & Pugh, L. (1998). Music in the Early Years. London: Routledge.

Tooley, S. (2005). Technology Drives a Rethink. Music in Action , 3 (3), 18-21.

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