MUED4002: Semester 1, 2025

Units MUED4002 Semester 1 2025 [Normal day]

Unit outline_

MUED4002: Technology in Music Education

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Sydney

Overview

This unit will explore the possibilities offered by technology in music teaching and learning and the impact of technology on (music) education today. Pre-practicum weeks provide a broad range of practical skills including website authoring (Wordpress support is provided, but any platform can be used), multitrack sequencing, step sequencing, audio editing, notation, creating graphics or using copyright commons graphics, multi-angle filming, lighting, composition and editing. In subsequent weeks, students engage with new technologies both practically and philosophically, seeking to understand the sophistications of technology-based music practices such as DJiing, producing, remixing, as well as engaging with new approaches to teaching and learning such as flipped learning, online learning, blended learning, and the maker-movement. Students gain a practical understanding of synthesis and sampling.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Music Education
Credit points	3
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	James Humberstone, james.humberstone@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	James Humberstone, james.humberstone@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Assignment	Establish and maintain a professional online presence, and share drafts of digital resources See full description on Canvas.	45%	Formal exam period Due date: 13 Jun 2025 at 23:59	2000 words
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Negotiated digital creative project See full description on Canvas.	50%	Formal exam period Due date: 11 Jun 2025 at 23:59	1000 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Establish a professional online presence Please see the detailed description on Canvas. Note that this is an Early Feedback Task worth 5 marks.	5%	Week 02 Due date: 03 Mar 2025 at 23:59	250 words equivalent
Outcomes assessed:
= AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Establish and maintain a professional online presence, and share drafts of digital resources: Over the course of this unit, students must establish a professional online presence via a number of social networking sites. Students should create a Personal Learning Network and demonstrate their use of it.
Negotiated digital creative project: Students will negotiate a creative project to be published on their website, drawing on and
extending ANY skills and/or philosophies/pedagogies learned in the course (once agreed with the lecturer).

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

Please see the detailed marking rubrics on Canvas.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	SKILLS 1. What is a DAW. Loops. What is the difference between MIDI and audio? MIDI recording & multi-tracking; simple editing. What is a VI? What is a sampler? Templates & strategies for composition using DAWs. Making your own loops. Counterpoint: digital distraction, mindfulness, and the pros and cons of social media.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 02	SKILLS 2. Technology in performance and recording. Microphone types. Multitracking audio with microphones. Slightly more advanced editing. EQ/filters., reverb, compression, chorus.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 03	SKILLS 3. Capturing live video & audio include multi-cam filming & lighting. Preparing for later sync. From singer-songwriter to school choir or band – how to record?	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 04	SKILLS 4. Notation software. Illustrations, worksheets, and resources. Copyright.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 05	SKILLS 5. It’s all about the format. Multicam editing and cheating; making tutorials. Screen capture. Embedding interactivity on a website.	Seminar (2 hr)
Week 06	21ST CENTURY CULTURE tapas. Early on in the course, I will respond to student demand for the following topics: Synthesizing sound, programming beats, the DAWless studio, AI in music education, The Maker Movement, instrument building, STE(A)M, Mix up, Mashup (remix and mash-up cultures, sampling, Hip-Hop production, and DAWs that producers used), 1-to-1, BYOD, upcycling, mobile learning, NSW phone bans, using an LMS, Aural skills & musicianship drilling, cognitive load theory, & digital stress.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 07	21ST CENTURY CULTURE - tapas. Chosen from the topics mentioned in week 6.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 08	21ST CENTURY CULTURE - tapas. Chosen from the topics mentioned in week 6.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 09	21ST CENTURY CULTURE - tapas. Chosen from the topics mentioned in week 6.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 10	Special Projects Week ... Studio time can be booked for recording or filming toward your major project. James will contact you earlier in semester to see whether you would like to take up this studio time. Optional	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 11	21ST CENTURY CULTURE - tapas. Chosen from the topics mentioned in week 6. Aslo, Shark Tank - you sell your EDUtech projects to the cohort!	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 12	21ST CENTURY CULTURE - tapas. Chosen from the topics mentioned in week 6.	Workshop (2 hr)
Week 13	21ST CENTURY CULTURE - tapas. Chosen from the topics mentioned in week 6. Plus time to work on your projects.	Workshop (2 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance requirements: Please click on below link to find more information on attendance requirements, as per the Sydney Conservatorium of Music resolutions -http://sydney.edu.au/handbooks/conservatorium/rules/faculty_resolutions.shtml (Item 12)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 3 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 60-75 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Please see the Canvas site for a recently refreshed reading list. There are no mandated readings, but marks are given for showing critical thinking.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. use notation and sequencing software, and create templates for students
LO2. evaluate computer-based and other technologies relevant to music learning and teaching
LO3. plan strategies to manage technology in a learning environment
LO4. develop digital resources for music education
LO5. respond effectively to unfamiliar problems when using technology
LO6. formulate strategies to research learn new technologies relevant to learning and teaching.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Feedback last year was very good, but this year addressing feedback over the last decade that asked for more student input into content (through the “tapas” menu from week 6).

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links