I found today’s session enjoyable and interesting. Today I was able to develop my digital technology skills as I became more aware of Garage band. Previously when using garage band I would have just messed about with it however after today’s session I now have a better understanding of how to navigate and use the app. I still need to explore the app more and research the app further as I am a complete beginner and I find some of the features complex. I believe that children would enjoy using this app and find it as fun as I did. Using the app I was able to make this: https://youtu.be/Ktj9EC_enuA
Garage band allows for children to experiment and exploring with sound using a variety of different instruments. However it is not the end product of creating a piece of music that is paramount, what is important that children are given the chance to explore their creative side by exploring different sounds and finding sounds that right for them. Reinforcing to me that the creative process is more important than the product. This can be done collaboratively in groups with children working together with different instruments and combing what they have worked on. It can also be used with the whole class working to make music together. This, however, is dependent on the school having iPads /iMacs and then having them available to you when you want to use them. In recent years Children have been given a free iPad in order to “help pupils embrace the digital age, improve learning and help close the attainment gap”.(BBC 2019) It may also be difficult for children from areas of deprivation to access these resources as they may not be able to afford an iPad/iMac and can’t access the app.
References
Vygotsky, L. (2004) ‘Imagination and Creativity in Childhood’, Journal of Russian and East European Psychology, 42(1), pp. 7–97. Available at: https://www.marxists.org/archive/vygotsky/works/1927/imagination.pdf (Accessed 3 November 2020)
BBC (2019) ‘Free iPads for nearly 50,000 school pupils in Glasgow’, BBC, 26 August. Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-49475108 (Accessed 3 November 2020)
