TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT

Technology Research Assignment

Kristianna Nicole C. Mortera
Concordia University Chicago

TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT

Kimberly A. McCord of Illinois State University wrote an article titled, Children with
Special Needs Compose Using Music Technology which was featured in a 2002 Journal of
Technology in Music Learning. In McCords article, she studied various special needs
elementary school children who participated in music and their use of various technological
resources within the music classroom (McCord, 2002, p. 3). The results of the study deemed
positive resulting in better products from these students after utilizing various applications that
stimulate a multisensory learning environment (McCord, 2002, p.3). Similar to the study done
by McCord, other articles and studies also emphasize the importance of technology for special
needs students.
The first article featured in an October article of Teaching Music features Chad Criswells
Assistive Technology for Special Needs Students in the Music Classroom. In Criswells article,
he focuses on the various technology resources music educators can use including mechanical
technological resources such as tuba stands as well as core technology including the use of
tablets and online applications. According to Criswell, With the effective and well-planned use
of technology, a motivated teacher can help these students to become a part of the music-making
process (Criswell, 2014).
One of the main opportunities that teachers can utilize prior to stepping into the
classroom are conferences and seminars regarding music technology. Criswell (2004) mentions
the 2014 NAfME National In-Service Conference taking place in Nashville, Tennesse where
there are sessions focused on disabled learners in which the best educators will be leading and
speaking. The process of utilizing technology continues with the actual application of the
concepts learned from such conferences. Criswell references McCords article, pointing out that
assistive music technology can be anything low-tech such as tuba stands, adjustable Orff

TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT

instrument stands, and even pencils with gel grips. On the high-tech end are instruments
specifically designed for students with disabilities such as the Soundbeam, the Magic Flute or the
Skoog (McCord, 2002).
Although Criswell mentions the use of low-tech aids, he switches gears to focus on high
technology such as specific applications available on the iPad. It is not uncommon to see tablets
or iPads in the classroom in todays generation and with the unlimited possibilities it provides, it
truly is a remarkable tool to use especially for special needs students. According to Adam
Goldberg, a teacher in Queens, A multisensory approach is important for kids with special
needs. If a kid thinks they are just playing with colors and it comes out as music, then so much
the better (Criswell, 2014). In terms of choosing applications, Criswell focuses on the need for
programs that can meet the needs of multiple students through the ability to edit and modify the
app.
As the demand for better technological resources for special needs students grows,
Criswell brings up a developing application created by Technology Institute for Music Educators
that will help students learn music fundamentals. As new and applications surface, Criswell
alludes to a variety of resources already available through sites such as the NAfME Children
With Exceptionalities as well as online articles through NAfME that focus on strategies for
students with special needs (Criswell, 2014). Crisswells final statement of the article sums up
the future of educators, music, technology, and providing better musical opportunities for our
special needs students, Once you have found the right kind of adaptation technology-based or
otherwise- your special needs students can experience the joy of participating in the musicmaking process (Criswell, 2014).

TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT

Resources
Criswell, C. (2014). Assistive Technology for Special Needs Students in the Music Classroom.
Teaching Music,22(2), 22-23.
McCord, K. (2002). Children with Special Needs Compose Using Music Technology. Journal of
Technology in Music Learning, 3-14.