MUSIC MANAGEMENT ROLE PLAY IN THE VIRTUAL CLASSROOM: EXPLORING THE USE OF EDUCATIONAL SCAFFOLDING WITHIN THE VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Abstract
Over the last 20 years, new technologies have become increasingly integrated into our society and their influence on people’s lives is becoming more and more apparent. As a result, the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) have led to the emergence of a variety of active and innovative teaching methods.
Virtual learning environments, such as Blackboard, can now support these complex practical activities with featured front-end tools, such as spaces for media and text, video conferencing, discussion board, group chat; and back-end tools such as content editors, collaboration management, assessment, analytics.
Wood, Bruner and Ross (1976) advocate that ‘Educational Scaffolding’ is a learning technique that supports a student to solve a problem, perform a task, or accomplish an aim through a considered independence away from tutor help. Brush & Saye (2002) state that educational scaffolding could be embedded in a VLE to deliver learners with support while operating the VLE. Educational scaffolding has the tutor taking the role of a facilitator whose task is to facilitate the learner’s cognitive development of a piece of knowledge.
A case study is presented of an in-class assessment for a postgraduate music management course, which would ordinarily be conducted as face-to-face role play negotiation but, due to the current pandemic, took place entirely online.
Overall, this paper explores how well-established practical methods of teaching and learning can be successfully adapted for an online learning environment, without sacrificing key practical aspects of delivery.
Biography
Dr Paul G. Oliver is senior lecturer and course leader for the MA Music Industry Management and Artist Development at London College of Music, University of West London. He has degrees in both popular music and business and management, as well as a PhD in Music Management. Paul’s research specialises in DIY culture and digital entrepreneurship applied to the music industries. He is also a songwriter, musician and the founder of Ganbei Records.
For the last 10 years, Xiaoling has been working as a lecturer and research academic in Business and Management. She has a First Class BA (Hons) degree in Law, an MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, as well as a PhD, titled: “Developing a Framework for improving Supply Chain Collaboration in the Automotive Industry”.