Implementing technology into the curriculum : assessing the attitudes and motivation levels of elementary education majors toward the integration of technology for learning the basic fundamentals of music, a case study.

Abstract

This case study evaluated the attitudes and motivation levels of elementary education majors toward the integration of technology in the Basic Music curriculum. Prior to the actual case study, a pilot study was conducted in order to assess the prevailing students' attitudes toward the required Basic Music class. An historical literature review of the use of computer-assisted instruction to teach music fundamentals was completed. An instructional analysis and curriculum review were completed and suggestions were made for the integration of various technology components into the curriculum. These components include computer-assisted drill and practice programs as well as supplemental on-line materials. Improvement in student test scores was not measured. Overall, student attitude and motivation levels were positively influenced by the use of computer-assisted instructional programs. The supplemental on-line materials, which were static, non-interactive, informational pages, proved to be sparsely used by the students. Interactive, on-line quiz modules are recommended by the researcher.