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Teaching, Learning, and Living With Ipads: by Patricia Riley
Teaching, Learning, and Living With Ipads: by Patricia Riley
Teaching, Learning,
and Living with iPads
Abstract: Tablet computers, engaging and dynamic teaching and learning tools, are increas-
ingly prevalent in K–12 schools and university settings. To help music educators make
informed technology choices for their classrooms, this article contains preservice teachers’
reflections on how they used iPads to enhance their musicianship, teacher preparation, and/
or work with students in their practicum or student teaching placements. Categories of use
include rehearsal/performance assistance, creating music, teaching instruments, providing
virtual instruments, audio/video recording, listening resources, and organizational support.
Teaching suggestions, lists of recommended apps, and potential sources of funding for the
purchase of tablet computers are included.
Keywords: iPad, professional development, tablet computer, teacher training, technology
L
ooking around the chorus room at South some musical instruments, such as Autoharp,
Burlington High School, I am pleased to Mambo Bongo, iTriangle, and Percussive
see many iPads in use. One is providing (xylophone, glockenspiel, marimba, vibra- Preservice teachers
a pitch reference, another is recording video phone, and kalimba), and progressed to other discover some of
for playback and self-assessment, and several music apps such as Epic Tune (chromatic
more are displaying lyrics enlarged for easier tuner), Ludwig (metronome), and the creativ- the benefits of using
viewing. In addition, as university supervi-
sor of the choral music practicum students
ity tools SoundPrism and Singing Fingers.
Soon I was downloading apps to help
iPads and ancillary
directing the rehearsal, I am taking observa- with my office productivity, such as Noteshelf, technology in music
tion notes on my iPad that I will later e-mail Calculator, and Video Editor, and apps to
directly to the student teachers’ machines. use for catching up on the day’s news and programs.
After attending several conference ses- weather. Many useful and innovative things
sions and “app shares” promoting the many can be done with one small and highly port-
classroom uses of iPads and their applica- able device. As a music educator who often
tions for teaching, I decided to purchase one has needed guidance in finding technology
and try it out. A longtime Apple user, I found that enhances instruction and fits the special-
adapting to the functioning of the iPad quite ized needs of music education, I discovered
simple. Much of the preloaded software is that iPads and other tablet computers might
very similar to those on my MacBook Pro, well be the answer that music educators have
and many of the initial apps I downloaded are been looking for.
adapted versions of software already in use With the intent of investigating this pos-
on my laptop, such as GarageBand, Skype, sibility, I soon decided that iPads needed to be
and Dropbox. It was exciting to browse the obtained for my students—music education
online App Store and download a plethora majors at the University of Vermont.1 If the
of free or inexpensive apps. I started with students were to find these portable devices
Copyright © 2013 National Association
for Music Education
Patricia Riley is an associate professor and coordinator of music education at the University of Vermont in Burlington. She can be DOI: 10.1177/0027432113489152
contacted at priley@uvm.edu. http://mej.sagepub.com
www.nafme.org 81
connecting students to their learning
communities via the Internet.4 They can
also be used as e-book readers to effec-
tively support personalized learning.5
In addition, a number of twenty-first-
century skills can be supported by col-
laborations that use iPads.6
Transformative changes in teacher
practice and student learning due to the
use of digital technology are now under
way.7 The challenge for educators is to
motivate students to move beyond using
mobile devices for primarily social inter-
actions to using them for educational pur-
poses.8 One possibility is for teachers to
collaborate with students to develop cur-
ricula based on how and what students
believe they might learn by incorporating
iPads and other mobile devices.9
In a 2011 study at Seton Hall Univer-
sity in South Orange, New Jersey, iPads
were purchased for all faculty, academic
support staff, and incoming freshmen.
The goal was to create an educational
environment that would go beyond the
constraints of traditional classrooms by
expanding critical and creative thinking
through interactive approaches, providing
Tablet computers can enhance music teaching and learning and offer access to Internet resources. immediate access to information, increas-
(Photo courtesy of the author) ing student engagement, and decreasing
student costs through the use of e-text-
useful in their education and fieldwork, most useful. This way, the students were books. In the first semester, a majority of
perhaps others in my profession could able to fully incorporate the iPads in their faculty used the iPads in every class ses-
also benefit. Either way, since iPads are teaching, learning, and everyday lives. So sion. A majority of students used the iPads
increasingly prevalent in North American far, this has been extremely successful. to achieve course objectives at least once a
society, it seemed obvious that my preser- week, and these students believed that the
vice music teachers needed experience Appealing Technology use of iPads has had a positive effect on
with them in order to be technologically communication with faculty.10 Connecting,
current. Consequently, I applied for and Research conducted on the use of iPads communicating, and creating with mobile
received an internal university grant to and other tablet computers for educa- devices is quickly becoming a substantial
purchase twenty iPad3s and protective tional purposes began confirming my part of digital literacy that can powerfully
cases—enough for the number of stu- thinking about the potential useful- support student achievement.11
dents usually enrolled in our field courses ness of these devices in music educa- While I have been unable to locate
at any one time. I also decided that it was tion. The iPad has received rave reviews research describing the use of iPads in
not enough for students to simply sign for attributes such as portability and music education settings, research has
them out as needed for course work, but design, and the education community been conducted in other subject areas.
that the students should live with them— is attracted by the many dynamic and Results of these studies include the suc-
not only for use with a particular project vibrant apps designed specifically for cessful use of an iPad to facilitate the
or class but also to have available from this device.2 Tablet computers offer stu- reading improvement of a student with
the time they entered their first practi- dents the opportunity to listen to lec- attention deficit hyperactivity disorder12
cum experience in the middle of their tures, hear course-related music, and and the effective use of iPads to assist
sophomore year until they finished their transport large quantities of information students with autism spectrum disorders
student teaching. The university provided just about anywhere they go.3 The iPads in using spell-check tools.13 The touch-
the hardware, and students downloaded and other tablet computers can support screen design and screen size of iPads
and owned whatever apps they found student-centered pedagogy by wirelessly and other tablet computers are well suited
www.nafme.org 83
Creating Music composition and improvisation assign- •• JoyTunes Recorder Master—a
ments or signed out for students to use recorder-playing game
The second category was using iPads for at home. They can function well for indi- •• Magic Piano—a piano-playing game
music creation, including improvising and vidual, small group, or large group com- •• My Note Games—a music theory and
composing. Useful for my preservice teach- posing and improvising. instrument-learning game
ers as they created music, iPads or other Other apps that my students suggested •• Music for Little Mozarts—a piano
tablet computers could also be helpful to for creating music include the following: game for preschool children
practicing music teachers and others inter- •• Bloom—musical instrument/
ested in creative expression. John stated, composition tool/artwork tool Providing Virtual Instruments
The iPad is also a wonderful tool for •• Songify—turns speech into music
encouraging students to make music. It’s •• Talkapella—turns talking into a Making virtual instruments available
pretty entry-level in the sense that you can cappella harmony was the fourth category of use for iPads
pick from a huge variety of sounds and that the preservice teachers reflected
then just play. What’s great is that Garage- on. It could also be helpful to practicing
Band has mode/scale settings that can be Teaching Instruments
music teachers and others in the profes-
applied. For instance, students can select sion. According to Max, “I downloaded
The next category was instrument
“minor blues” and improvise in a blues
instruction, both in school and private- GarageBand, which is the best applica-
style without having to actually know
lesson settings. As with music creation, tion, in my opinion. With it, I can play
their blues scales.
using iPads or other tablet computers for the emulator of a keyboard, violin, viola,
According to Lisa, instrument instruction could be helpful cello, upright bass, electric bass, gui-
The iPad also proved to be really helpful for practicing music teachers. According tar, and drums. I have used these smart
for my music theory class when we were to Mike, instruments many times.”
composing rounds. I recorded myself sing- John stated,
I used my iPad to teach beginning guitar
ing once through the round, and then class using the app WildChords. This app, I think that by nature, the iPad’s musi-
staggered my rendition on GarageBand. which is very appealing to middle school cal interface is less daunting than say, a
That way, I could hear how the round students, uses amusing animation and saxophone. You don’t have to be proficient
would sound with all the parts. zoo characters to teach chords, and also in music to sound decent in an app like
Additionally, Max wrote, addresses rhythm, tempo, and musicality. GarageBand. I think students that have
Many students got so excited about Wild- little to no musical experience are less
In a piano composition assignment for my Chords that they came down to the band likely to be intimidated by making sounds
music history class, I attempted compos- room during lunchtime just to play it. on iPads than on traditional instruments.
ing in the style of Beethoven. I used the This could be a great way to initially get
Tony wrote,
iPad to keep track of various ideas, which these students interested in music.
made the process easier. It also allowed me I have been using an app called The Drum
to access the Internet where I could listen Dictionary . . . with a private student of Teachers can use tablet computers as
to recordings of Beethoven to gain a bet- mine who has an iPad. With both of us instruments for modeling concepts and
ter understanding of the characteristics of having the app, I can give him assign- accompanying students. Teachers can
his style. ments or ask him questions about specific also engage students in using these vir-
entries within the app. He can then read tual instruments in their composing and
Last, David stated, the notation and/or hear a live sample improvising and for assistance in music
GarageBand played a pivotal role in recording of rudiments, drum beats, time
theory and ear training assignments.
my final project for my methods class, signatures, etc. The combination of nota-
tion along with audio recordings is very
Other musical instrument apps
in which Tony and I composed a 12-bar that my students suggested include the
blues piece for iPad ensemble. We felt that appealing to me as a teacher.
following:
writing a piece for use with GarageBand Music educators can use tablet com-
would give the performers a lot of room puters to assist in their instruction of •• A+ HandDrumKit
for interpretation—the musicians could piano, guitar, recorder, and many band •• Bloom—musical instrument/
select the MIDI instruments they wanted composition tool/artwork tool
and orchestra instruments. This could be
to play and change the timbre by turning •• iTabla Pro
helpful when lesson groups, classes, or
dials right on the screen.
ensembles are large and/or diverse. Some •• Piano DX.
Teachers can use tablet computers students could work with the teacher
to have their students compose and/ while others work individually or in small Audio/Video Recording
or improvise both during classes and groups using the tablet computers.
rehearsals and outside the classroom. The following are additional apps that A very popular category of use for the
These devices can be made available my students recommended for instrument iPads among the preservice teachers was
for students to use in school for specific teaching, learning, and/or practicing: audio and video recording. They often
www.nafme.org 85
Additionally, David stated, “during my comments is a testament to the con- Students,” Educational Technology
group’s practicum planning sessions, venience, ease of use, and versatility of Research and Development 60, no. 4
(2012): 703–22.
I used the iPad to take notes and write these dynamic devices. Use of iPads has
rough drafts for my lesson plans.” immeasurably enriched the teaching and 6. Orrin T. Murray and Nicole R. Olcese,
“Teaching and Learning with iPads,
Music educators can use the efficiency learning of this group of music education
Ready or Not?” TechTrends: Linking
of tablet computers for numerous organi- majors. I believe that the possibilities for Research and Practice to Improve
zational tasks. In addition to those the using iPads and other tablet computers in Learning 55, no. 6 (2011): 42–48.
preservice teachers mentioned, these can K–12 schools to enhance music teaching 7. Stuart Wise, Janinka Greenwood,
encompass assessment records, inventory, and learning are virtually endless. I hope and Niki Davis, “Teachers’ Use of
and keeping track of purchase orders and that the information in this article will Digital Technology in Secondary Music
items being repaired or out on loan. provide inspiration for you to consider Education: Illustrations of Changing
exploring their use. Classrooms,” British Journal of Music
Education 28, no. 2 (2011): 117–34.
Insights from Future Teachers The iPad served to be a fantastic tool in
8. Beverley Oliver and Veronica Goerke,
planning and executing lessons. . . . Over- “Australian Undergraduates’ Use and
My initial hunch that iPads and other tab- all, the iPad has been immensely useful Ownership of Emerging Technologies:
let computers would be extremely useful as a musical, personal, and educational Implications and Opportunities
for educational purposes were confirmed tool.—David for Creating Engaging Learning
in the student reflection papers. The I am really glad that I am able to use the Experiences for the Net Generation,”
comments of these preservice teachers iPad in all the ways I do. It has definitely Australasian Journal of Educational
corroborated many of the ideas reported made my life a lot easier, and I think it is Technology 23, no. 2 (2007), 171–86.
in the research literature, including the really useful in many settings.—Jasmine 9. Deanne C. Peluso, “The Fast-Paced
usefulness of tablet computers for cre- I have found many uses for the iPad that iPad Revolution: Can Educators Stay
ating music, listening to course-related help improve my musicianship, both in Up to Date and Relevant about These
Ubiquitous Devices?” British Journal
music, and facilitating immediate access my own study and for my teaching at our
of Educational Technology 43, no. 4
to information. The insight the preser- practicum school.—Lisa
(2012): E125–27.
vice music teachers provided in their I used my iPad in many ways and
10. Mary Ann Gawelek, Mary Spataro, and
reflections should help guide practicing was heartbroken when I had to give it
Phil Komarny, “Mobile Perspectives:
music teachers and others in the profes- up at the end of my student teaching On iPads—Why Mobile?” EDUCAUSE
sion toward making informed choices semester.—Mike Review 46, no. 2 (2011): 28–30.
for their classrooms. These choices may 11. Susan Crichton, Karen Pegler, and Duncan
well lead to the acquisition of iPads or White, “Personal Devices in Public
other tablet computers. Notes Settings: Lessons Learned from an iPod
Music educators seeking to obtain Touch/iPad Project,” Electronic Journal of
1. This idea was inspired by a session
e-Learning 10, no. 1 (2012): 23–31.
resources for purchasing tablet computers presented by Gena Greher and Alex
for their classrooms can find a wealth of Ruthmann at the Association for 12. Barbara McClanahan, Kristen
Technology in Music Instruction (ATMI) Williams, Ed Kennedy, and Susan
grant information on the NAfME website
2011 National Conference in which Tate, “A Breakthrough for Josh: How
at http://musiced.nafme.org/resources/ Use of an iPad Facilitated Reading
iPads had been purchased for their
grants-information. This link includes fed- Improvement,” TechTrends: Linking
music education majors at University
eral, private, and regionally specific fund- of Massachusetts, Lowell. Research and Practice to Improve
ing opportunities. In addition to browsing 2. John K. Waters, “Enter the iPad
Learning 56, no. 3 (2012): 20–28.
the App Store for your chosen mobile (or Not?),” T.H.E. Journal 37, no. 6 13. Debora M. Kagohara, Jeff Sigafoos,
device, a quick Internet search using the (2010): 38–40. Donna Achmadi, Mark O’Reilly, and
terms apps and music education can pro- 3. Peter Galuszka, “Technology’s Giulio Lancioni, “Teaching Children
vide access to up-to-date information on Latest Wave,” Black Issues in Higher with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Education 22, no. 2 (March 10, to Check the Spelling of Words,”
available apps. Also, recommendations for
2005): 24–28. Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders
apps can be found in the NAfME forums 6, no. 1 (2012): 304–10.
(musiced.nafme.org/forums) and in links 4. Graham R. Parslow, “Commentary:
Tablet PCs—Lightweights with a 14. Nirvi Shah, “Special Education
stemming from the Association for Tech- Pupils Find Learning Tool in iPad
Teaching Punch,” Biochemistry and
nology in Music Instruction (ATMI) and Applications,” Education Week, 30,
Molecular Biology Education 38, no. 5
the Technology Institute for Music Educa- (2010): 339–40. no. 22 (2011): 1.
tors (TI:ME) websites (http://atmionline 5. Yueh-Min Huang, Tsung-Ho Liang, 15. Jennifer Demski, “ELL to Go,”
.org/, http://www.ti-me.org/). Yen-Ning Su, and Nian-Shing Chen, T.H.E.Journal 38, no. 5 (2011): 28–32.
The following are some final thoughts “Empowering Personalized Learning 16. Chad Criswell, “Technology on the
from the preservice teachers’ reflec- with an Interactive E-Book Learning Horizon,” Teaching Music 18, no. 5
tion papers. The positive nature of their System for Elementary School (2011): 32.
www.nafme.org 87
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