[Smt-talk] Online music courses

[Anna Gawboy]

Dear Eric,

Last winter we began using a hybrid model in our freshman music theory
courses at Ohio State University. Students are introduced to each new topic
through a short video lecture posted online, which often includes
step-by-step walkthroughs of specific exercises. Students complete a short
practice worksheet based on the material before they come to class. This
becomes the basis for review, peer error detection, and/or in-class
discussion. We then use the rest of class time for more hands-on practice,
refinement of concepts, and the examination of more complex examples. In my
role as course coordinator, I appreciate how the online videos have helped
unify the dissemination of content across a multi-section course taught by
as many as seven independent instructors, while allowing us to preserve low
student-to-instructor ratios. In my role as section leader, I appreciate
that my students come to class with questions on the material and that they
are ready to apply their new concepts immediately.

We did several waves of qualitative student evaluations and are still in
the process of assessing the model's efficacy, but the initial feedback
seems to be pretty positive. In our last assessment in October, 84% of
students reported that the online videos contributed positively to their
learning, while the remaining 16% were indifferent or preferred to learn
from the textbook or live lecture. Students report that they appreciate the
ability to watch the online videos at their own pace and go back and review
them if they need to. I've noticed an extreme drop off in office hour
visits, while student achievement on longer assignments, projects, and
tests is at the same level or better than in previous years using a more
traditional classroom format.

-- 
Anna Gawboy

Assistant Professor
School of Music
The Ohio State University
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