The Effectiveness of Computer Enhanced Instruction on the Rhythmic Ability and Assessment of Music Students

Abstract

This research study determined whether computer--‐enhanced instruction in addition to teacher led instruction had an affect on the assessment of the rhythmic ability of instrumental music students, versus using only teacher led instruction. This research study utilized one component of the SmartMusic Interactive software, the rhythm exercises, and investigated whether a student’s rhythmic ability improved by using the rhythm exercises when compared with a control group taught via teacher led instruction only. The literature review supported the claim that the use of technology in the classroom for assessment and development of musical ability is a viable option for music educators. The data gathered and analyzed for this study did not confirm that the use of traditional teaching methods that were computer--‐enhanced improve a student’s rhythmic progress versus only traditional teaching methods. Limitations of this research included a lack of a larger sample size that could have affected the outcome of the study and the length of time in the study to allow for the intervening variable to be effective.