Methodology of a Technology-Enhanced Affinity Space for Music Learners

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 70
  In Roundtable Session: Digitally Mediated Music Education

Abstract

This mixed methods study uses Gee’s (2005) affinity space model as a framework for supporting music learners. One case of a piano teacher and 18 of her students, ages 9 through 15, used a mobile application called PracticeCactus. Designed to facilitate the sharing of piano learning progress between weekly lessons among peer learners, the app generated data about the number and kind of audio recordings students created, and the frequency of peer responses. Together with data collected through teacher and student interviews, as well as four student music sharing sessions, the analysis shows how pedagogical practices and digital technology can facilitate multiple pathways for music learning, holistically value students’ musicality across contexts, and encourage students’ identities to influence their musical goals.

Authors

• Heather J S Birch, OISE/University of Toronto

• Clare M. Brett, University of Toronto