Case studies

Wandsworth City Learning Centre

Introduction

Gigajam had been invited by Wandsworth City Learning Centre to run a four day course for the children of Wandsworth as part of the LEA’s Gifted and Talented Scheme

Wandsworth CLC is a unique learning environment and is well equipped with state of the art recording equipment, musical equipment and modern networked ICT suites.

As the first CLC in the UK to buy Gigajam Lesson Content and Interactive Music Education Software, they were keen to demonstrate the power of learning using ICT and how it could be used in both a Classroom environment and also as personalised learning.

Objectives

To provide an enjoyable and rewarding Gifted and Talented programme for the children of Wandsworth using the unique opportunities available at Wandsworth CLC to study and play music.
To demonstrate the power of using Gigajam lesson content and software as an ICT led ‘Virtual Music Teacher’ model that could be used in schools and at the CLC.

Background

As part of the Gifted and Talented programme in Wandsworth, to take 20 Year 7 pupils of mixed ability, but no specific music skills and provide them with 4 days of music tuition on a first and second instrument so that they could form and then play together in their school Rock band.

After the first 4 days, allow the software, lesson content and musical instruments to be taken back to their 5 schools and for the students to continue their studies, working together in their bands.

Implementation

Encourage learning of music through the performance of a musical instrument.
Encourage performance in a band.
Utilise ICT to facilitate personalised learning in a classroom environment.

Physical Implementation

Main area for group discussion and band performances.

4 individual areas were assigned - Drum room, Guitar Room, Bass Room and Keyboard Room.

Each room consisted of:

Interactive Whiteboard
5 workstations with Computer (pre-loaded Software and lesson content), connected to midi instrument
1 tutor

Classroom Session
At the beginning of the morning session, the tutor would engage the class in a demonstration of the lesson on the Interactive Whiteboard. The class would work through the objectives of the lesson, the instructions and then the first few exercises, including a performance, recording and Analysis of how the exercise was played.

Private Study
Once the lesson had been demonstrated to the group the students were then encouraged to work with the lessons at their workstations. They would read through the instructions, play the exercises along with the musical examples and then record to see how they were developing. Students were encouraged to compare their recorded performances by listening to them and then looking at the software Analysis for feedback. Once satisfied with an exercise they would then move on through the lesson and even onto the next lesson where appropriate. Performances were saved as a record of performance and also as a guide to how well the students were constantly honing their skills as they progressed as musicians.

Live Performance Workshop
At the end of a private study session and after a break, the students would then play a tune that encompassed the skills that they had been developing, enabling them to play together as a Rock Band.

Impact and Outcomes

Personalised Learning
Playing together
Identifying un-nurtured talent
Provide an opportunity for students to play a musical instrument
An increase in motivation to develop with immediate feedback
Encourages and allows self-teaching, allowing time for the teacher to focus on those that need help
Provides demonstrable records of progress and achievement.

E-assessment - continued on next page -->

“With the emphasis on ‘jamming’ the product fosters the building of groups within a music culture. There really are few products on the market that encourage this team building and this has led to many enjoying the results of the bands when they perform.”

Simon Elledge,
AST Wandsworth CLC

The course in action
(AVI, 1.8MB)

Interactive whiteboard
(AVI, 6.7MB)

About personalised learning
(AVI, 1.7MB)