Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere: New Media and Virtual Tools Offer Constructivist Learning in Online Music Education

Abstract

The innovation of new forms of media brings a greater diversity of choices to music educators and students, while at the same time, the integration of new media with existing 'traditional' forms provide an opportunity for the advancement of online music education. Many researchers confirm that younger generations of students have high levels of interaction and experience with new media and virtual tools. With the growth in new and emerging technologies, virtual tools in particular offer educators an effective online pedagogical approach to deliver teaching materials to help support students in their studies as well as preparation for real world employment. Online music education is a relatively new, yet fast growing discipline. This paper will outline the use of new media and virtual tools to facilitate student interaction, practical practice and authentic learning activity within online music education.