The Symphony Hall as an Informal Learning Environment: STEAM Learning, Engagement, and Technology

• In Event: Poster Session 14
  In Poster Session: Learning Environments Poster Session

Abstract

The presentation reports a study of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) learning and engagement in a symphonic concert hall. Adult participants in two treatment groups used Octava, an app that presents real-time program notes on smartphones during a concert. One group received supplemental information on the app about science-music connections, whereas the other received only music content. A comparison group experienced the concert as usual. Participants in Science Octava learned more science content, whereas those in Music Octava learned more music content. Participants in both Octava groups reported greater engagement during the concert than the comparison group. All participants expressed interest in future opportunities to experience real-time program notes and to learn more about music-science connections.

Authors

• Linda Baker, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Laura U. DeWyngaert, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Jessica Abel, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra

• Linda Dusman, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

• Eric Smallwood, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

• Carol Bogash, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra