New York Times
Author: Catherine Saint Louis
Date: January 13, 2011
Summary:
By using online programs such as Skype, students are now able to take music lessons from
professors on the other side of the country. Where previously a student would have been unable
to learn how to play a specific instrument they can now find a teacher online who is able to teach
them
from the opposite end of the country. This is convenient for both the
student and the teacher, as they no longer have to worry about travel
times, weather, or distance. It also makes music teachers more available
to students and students have a wider selection of teachers to choose
from.
Thoughts/Comments:
I
believe this is an amazing concept. Music teachers tend to be quite
specialized, and by using Skype to take lessons, students from all
across the country can share in their specialization. The ability to use
programs like Skype for music lessons also opens up the potential to
use these programs for other lessons as well. Perhaps in the future
instead of snow days schools will host online classes to prevent
students from falling behind on their work. With rising gas prices,
classes over the internet may sound more tempting to individuals
attempting to save money, and through programs like Skype it is possible
to have online classes without sacrificing the helpfulness and
instruction of a live teacher. The internet is a tremendous tool when
used properly, and I believe if educators can understand and effectively
use programs like Skype, they cannot help but benefit students with
their use. I do believe this technology is viable as a way to further
education. While some individuals do not have internet access and more
people do not have access to a web-camera, those people tend to be in
the minority. Most laptops sold today have built in web-cameras and
microphones which allow the computers to access Skype, free of charge.
All that is required is internet access and a web-camera. With these
two tools that many Americans already have, classes can be brought right
into the comfort of student’s homes, with a live professor available to
offer personal instruction and answer questions.
