Some Implications of Students' Attitudes Toward a Computer-Based Melodic Dictation Program

Abstract

To compare college students' opinions of computer-based melodic dictation instruction and classroom instruction, 75 students enrolled in sophomore music theory who had been exposed to both approaches were surveyed. A 34-item questionnaire evaluated students' opinions of the hardware, software, and departmental requirements regarding the computer-based instruction and asked for comparisons of this tutelage with the classroom instruction they had subsequently received. While hardware and software received generally favorable reviews; students basically related a negative opinion of the computer-based melodic dictation instruction. This opinion was based on the following three points: The computer program required too much time outside class, too much progress was expected in too little time, and pacing (the increase in difficulty levels) was not consistent throughout the program. On the basis of student comments, several suggestions regarding construction of computer-based instructional materials are presented.

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