In a previous article, we discussed how music can be a great tool to use for online classes. Now, let us focus on how you can integrate music. You should not be too quick to just choose music. You need to understand the effect of music to those who will learn through your course. The kind of music that you will play will have a huge effect on how learners will react or respond to the lessons being taught. It can be powerful enough to condition the minds of the learners for better absorption and retention of the course concepts.
To help you use music effectively, here are 4 tips that you can use.
Make sure the music suits the subject. Like we said, do not just choose any music. You have to take into consideration the subject that is being taught. It is not always right that you only take into consideration the type of learners that you have. Kids will enjoy fun music but if you are teaching math or history, this might not be the best music for that. If you want them to concentrate, you have to choose a calming music so they can pay attention to what is being discussed. A music that is too lively might end up being a distraction. The music does not always have to make the course enjoyable. Although the learning experience is important, you need to make them focus and concentrate first.
Match it to the reaction you want to get. It is always important to figure out the reaction that you want the learners to have before you finalize the music that you will use. If you want to make the lesson engaging, a more upbeat music would suffice. If you want them to focus and concentrate on the course, you should think about using some instrumental music that will calm them as they try to focus. This will allow the learners to immerse themselves more effectively in the online classes.
Try to use natural sounds. While music is usually sufficient, there are times when natural sounds make the online classes more realistic. These can be very useful to support concepts being taught. This is a great technique during simulations or scenario-based learning. This can be used in all types of subjects. For instance, problem-solving in math can integrate natural sounds – depending on the elements being used in the problem. In science, this can be a great background noise when teaching biology or something similar.
Consider ambient music. When you are unsure, ambient music is usually one of the best audio sounds to use in online classes. This type of music blends in the background that does not distract the learners from what they should be focusing on. Music, no matter how important it is, will always be there to support the lesson. It is not the star of the course. It is there to help highlight the lesson and not take the spotlight away.
Online classes can be fun and exciting as long as you know how to incorporate the right elements that will support the lessons and improve the learning experience. Music can be a great tool but make sure you fully understand how this is to be utilized.
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