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Vol. 6 - Issue 2
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Volume 4, Issue 1: SIX WAYS TO iPOD |
| Sunday, December 03, 2006 - 07:19 PM GST
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Once, students sporting white ear-buds had a medical problem. Now, it’s a sign of being ’way cool. MEGAN IEMMA says not to fight the Mp3 player—instead use it to advantage in the classroom.
For the past eighteen months I have been using an iPod* Mp3 player in the music classroom. It provides an enormous range of possibilities for music teaching— from playing music in a playlist totally controlled by you, to recording radio programs, to acting as an electronic storage device and a myriad of other activities. In addition, to support these players, there are powerful resources available through Web sites such as iTunes, where songs can be purchased and downloaded. Given the breadth of possibilities, the relatively low cost and the enormous storage capacity, it’s no wonder they are so popular.
Using Mp3s in the classroom
PLAYBACK OF MUSIC
In the classroom an Mp3 player makes organising the lesson really smooth—no searching for tracks any more! Just access your lists and the music you want to use is at your fingertips.
First, organise the music you want to play. Most people do this by using ‘playlists’ and ‘smart playlists’. For example,
I teach cultural music to Year 9s, so organise my music in a playlist according to country being studied. When I want to play certain titles to illustrate an example I set up a ‘smart’ playlist of those titles—a good way to isolate the specific music I need for the class.
• Tip When transferring music to your iPod, if it has a colour screen you may also download and view the relevant album cover. This helps with listing the track titles.
To play back, either plug the iPod directly into a stereo system with speakers, or alternatively play through an FM radio! Use a transmitting device such as an iTrip or other brand. These connect directly on top of your iPod, working by FM wireless transmission through a selected frequency that is not in use for broadcasting: a ‘silent’ slot on your FM radio band. It is just a matter of selecting such a frequency on your nearby FM receiver and matching it on your iPod. These devices are not expensive: they range from roughly $A50 to $A80.
The portability of an Mp3 player with an FM transmitting device means that your music can be played from anywhere in the classroom, to (for example) an assembly or choir rehearsal. Be aware that the coverage of the iTrip can vary depending on the quality and location of the radio receiver, local FM band interference, etc.
VOICE RECORDER
Of course, playback is not limited to music. Speeches and any other oral material can be stored ready for playback too. Audio books also can be purchased online and used in the classroom or for inspiration elsewhere! You can record presentations and voice information for later use.
With an iPod, to make the recording you need a voice recorder accessory that plugs into the headphone jack. When you are ready to record a performance, speech or dictation, select the material you will be recording. Then go to the folder of EXTRAS on your player and select VOICE RECORDER. The PLAY button is selected to start and stop recording. The iPod can then be docked to the computer so you can upload your voice recordings to iTunes. These can be burnt later to a CD, or uploaded to a network for students to use during class time.
I have used this device to record sound effects at home and school for use in composition-based activities. Also, it can be beneficial for accompanists to record a choral or instrumental accompaniment that can be used later for individual and group rehearsal.
PHOTOS
Sometimes for a concert or a related musical event, photos are taken that can be downloaded to the iPod by connecting another accessory. I use a media camera reader, but there is also a digital camera link that is just as easy to use.
With the convenience of a colour screen, pictures may be viewed instantly. An alternative is to store pictures of artwork or landscapes to inspire students in integrated curriculum projects, using art as a form of conveying music.
NOTES
You are able to store notes or text on your iPod (depending on how much space you have left after storing your music!)
I am looking to update my 20GB model because I now need the 60GB colour screen version, having used all available memory for music.
This can be done through any notation program. First I set up a worksheet, creating it in such a way that it can be recorded.
• Tip If doing rhythmic dictation, try using the clearest percussion sound for the best results. When recording melodic dictation, I find it wise to use piano.
Save the worksheet files in AIFF format, then drag into iTunes for download to your Mp3 player. The alternative is to use a MIDI file from the Internet and copy it into the notation program, then re-record with a suitable sound.
These recordings can be then used for theory tests, revision sheets or practice for the students at home. To make things easier, scores can always be changed and therefore less work
is required to create another sound file for a new exercise later on.
If you have a colour screen iPod, it is possible to play videos. Short stream music videos can be purchased from the iTunes store for use on iPods. Play back through the iPod using AV cables. It is also possible to play videos through your iPod using Quick Time Player.
As you can see, the possibilities these devices offer are diverse—with particular benefits for the busy music teacher. The hassles of organising and using music, video and voice in the classroom have just become so much simpler.
NOTE RE COPYRIGHT: This article assumes that your school has in place all necessary copyright arrangements for the use of audio recordings for classroom use. If in doubt, you should consult your school administration or APRA.
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iPod not?
*I refer here to the iPod because it is the best-known Mp3 player and the one I use, however there are now 70 or more models/brands available from makers such as iRiver, Sony, Creative, Samsung etc.
Mp3
Let’s do the technical thing: Mp3 (more formally, the Motion Picture Experts Group Audio Layer 3) is a digital protocol that reduces audio files by 10:1 or better. So, an uncompressed three-minute song as a 16-bit PCM file would occupy 30 megabytes (MB), but in Mp3 format grabs only 3MB.
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About the writer Megan Iemma:
Megan Iemma teaches Middle and Senior School music at Heathdale Christian College in Werribee, Victoria, and is responsible for the ICT curriculum and program. Originally from Tasmania, Megan studied at the University of Melbourne, majoring in piano and harpsichord. She enjoys choral conducting, but in more recent times has been involved more with music technology, both in the classroom and in professional development.
E-contacts
50 Mp3 Web sites reviewed: www3.mp3sitesreviewed.com [watch that tricky URL—Ed.]
Apple iPod Web site: www.apple.com/support/ipod/howto
Apple Learning Interchange—Education site: www.ali.apple.com
Association for Technology in Music Education: www.atmionline.org
Audible.com Web site: Over 26,000 audio books, magazines, newspapers, radio programs and more: www.audible.com
Copyright information: www.apra.com.au
iTunes Music Store: www.apple.com.au/itunes/download
The Technology Institute for Music Educators: www.ti-me.org
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