MUSIC technology implementation plan for EL SALVADOR!!!

MUSIC is our universal language.  It is the one language that we share and to which we continuously contribute to developing from diverse places across the world.  Teaching music in the classroom is often what helps to preserve this link between citizens of the world.  Music theory, playing instruments, practicing vocals, and composing music are all vital parts of musical training- all of which have been revolutionized by new music technology capabilities.

Music technology allows a teacher to present information about music in a stimulating manner.  Ph.D. Bruce Perry's research has shown that the human brain has a 'genetic bias' for visual information and representations.  Movies, videos and computer programs are often the media associated with this type of enhanced visual learning, all of which are implemented by new methods of music technology training in the classroom.  Dr. Perry stresses that "technologies that benefit young children the greatest are those that are interactive and allow the child to develop their curiosity, problem solving, and independent thinking skills,” and believes computers to be the top interactive technology for educational enhancement.

Music technology is staring to be more frequently implemented in the United States, but could arguably be more effective, in terms of cost-effectiveness and overall benefits if implemented overseas in developing countries.  The obstacles to its implementation though are often a lack of financial resources on the part of the developing country to even secure the computers or other software technology to implement music technology in the first place.  EL SALVADOR, among other developing countries could benefit enormously from implementing musical technology in the classroom.  The following is a structured plan on how to bring this beneficial technology to the developing country in Central America, and what kinds of potential benefits could arise from its implementation...

The first step to developing these successful music programs in El Salvador is to assess the country’s current ‘technological situation’:

Due to the exorbitant cost, the vast majority of Salvadorans do not own personal computers, but instead seek to access the Internet from cyber-cafés, where computers are provided and a small Internet access fee is paid per hour of usage.  Those using the services of cyber-cafés tend to be under the age of 30 and are mostly young, often university aged-students, as the Internet is a relatively new technology that has not been adopted by many members of the adult community.  This data supports the targeting of younger school-aged children in efforts to utilize music technology.  The classroom would be an extremely effective place to use this music technology, as it is proven that young Salvadorans are the most receptive to technology and technological training in general.

The Global Information Technology Report of the 2010-2011 year provided a comparative insight into the progress of El Salvador’s technological development.  One of the most significant indicators included in the report is the “Network Readiness Index” (NRI).  The NRI assesses the degree to which countries across the world leverage information and communication technologies for enhanced competitiveness.  The NRI framework consists of assessments of a country’s market, political and regulatory infrastructure, as well as individual, business and government usage of these technologies.

Interestingly, El Salvador is ranked 92nd out of 139 countries according to the 2010-11 Network Readiness Index.  It is citied as an example of a country that has failed to “keep up with its peers.”  El Salvador is among the six countries that have declined significantly in rank since the 2006-7 report (where it ranked 61/122) and at which time it belonged to the same decile as China (ranked 59th).  This information further supports the goal of the development of music technology in classrooms in El Salvador.  By educating Salvadoran youth in technology use while simultaneously developing their musical prowess and creativity, learned, technologically savvy citizens will eventually contribute more directly to the enhancement of the country’s overall competitiveness in the global market.

With the help of United States foreign aid agencies, or through programs instituted by the Funes (president of El Salvador) administration, the country, of a mere population of 6 million, can definitely acquire a sufficient number of computers for use by students in classrooms.  Assuming the Salvadoran government decides to more actively prioritize technological advancements in the classroom, music programs can be designed for the classroom…

Music technology implementation in El Salvador would mean utilizing computers and other electronic devices to record, playback, compose, store and perform musical pieces.  This technology includes aspects of acoustic science, psychology, and sociology.  One can also play musical instruments and create new sounds without the physical instrument itself, but by utilizing computers.  MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface is one of the outstanding programs that allow the user to record audio or musical sequences.  The sequences that are created can be copied, moved, and edited, duplicated, and re-sequenced at the click of a mouse. 

Music technology implementation in El Salvador is a diverse way to foster educational and technological development in a country that is seeking to advance itself in the world order.  Using this technology in the classrooms will foster creativity, technical skills, and allow Salvadoran youth to express themselves in a way that is also educationally valuable.  The youth would learn a variety about music, which is an invaluable experience in and of itself, all the while developing the technological skills that will help to aid the country in creating a new generation of thinkers and innovators.