Using Technology to Enhance Instruction and Learning in Musical Arts Education in Nigeria

Abstract

Technology is a rapidly growing trend in the field of education today. Technologies have made rapid advances, and their applications to the music classroom have not been fully utilized. Researchers observed that the study of music in many parts of the world has gone far through electronic and computer technology but in Nigerian tertiary institutions, music teachers seem to use technology more for administrative tasks as opposed to music curriculum uses. This study, therefore, examines musical arts education and technologies. It discusses how technology could be used to enhance instruction and learning in the music classroom. The focus is on computer and internet usage for effective teaching and learning of music. The paper further considers technology and music education, types of technology devices, the benefits of technology in music education. The obstacles to the use of technologies in closing the gaps were fully identified. The study concludes that computerizing and networking music education in Nigeria tertiary institutions are imperative. It, therefore, recommends the mainstreaming of technology utilization (particularly the computer and internet) in music education system at all levels for the benefit of curriculum implementation and enhanced student learning.