2006 Knowledge Bank Rich Picture Case Studies
Vermont Primary School - Eight Musical Theory Animations
Name: Brendan Jacobs
School: Vermont Primary School
Email: brendan@vermontps.vic.edu.au
![[img] musical theory animation](../images/jacobs_vermontps1.gif)
Eight
Musical Theory Animations
The focus of this case study is student engagement. The animation medium
is familiar to children and is extremely powerful in the presentation of
information.
Case study focus
A
series of 8 musical theory animations teaching all of the relevant information
to play the recorder.
What aspect of best practice will be the focus of the case study?
The focus of this case study is student engagement. The animation medium is familiar to children and is extremely powerful in the presentation of information.
Other aspects of best practice include improved student outcomes as initial
trials with this work has proved to be very successful and is the subject
of a Masters Degree with Monash University.
How does the case study intend to showcase or demonstrate best practice?
By modelling multimedia and online technologies, the case study is an example
of best practice. The essential elements of animation have applications
in many other areas as engagement and efficiency are fostered in this medium.
The form of the case study
The case study consists of eight stand alone yet sequential animations titles as follows:
- Beat & Tempo
- Drum Notation
- Rhythmic Notation
- Counting
- Time Signatures
- Navigation
- The Treble Clef
- Key Signatures
What multimedia and/or online tools have been used?
The animations are created using Macromedia Flash MX. The multimedia elements imported to Flash are created using a variety of other software namely:
- Music graphics: Sibelius
- Graphic editing: Adobe Photoshop
- Multitrack recording: Cool edit Pro
- Audio editing: Soundforge
Engagement and benefits
The animations will be engaging as they have been designed specifically to engage and are condensed as succinct learning events. The use of a voice over keeps a continuous focus apparent similar to a documentary genre.
I plan to combine tools and content using animation. Carefully worded voice-overs present the information as the graphics and soundtracks morph to depict what is being taught. The tool of animation allows these elements to combine efficiently. Best practice is achieved in a two-fold manner as the information itself is best practice and the use of animation is and will continue to be best practice as more educators embrace this medium.
All students who view the animations will benefit from them as they teach people how to read music. The particular topics included in this set of eight animations is specifically designed for recorder and flute. Many schools have a recorder program so these resources would prove to be most helpful.
This case study will increase the uptake of best practice by demonstrating how effective animation is for presenting information. The implications of this involve all learning areas (domains) and not just music.
