Disadvantages of technology in Music Education

DISADVANTAGES
With as many good advantages of music education technology that there are, there are still disadvantages. However, many benefits and disadvantages are not known because of the lack of research in this area. When evaluating technologies for benefits there are several questions one should ask: Why use the technology? What is available to use? How can it be/ is it used? What are the psychological advantages and disadvantages? What technology is most effective? How does the technology affect motivation in the student? What is in store for the future? and What is the cost? [2] Many of these are addressed on the Benefits page.

Unequal Results

One disadvantage is the divided success rates of TAIM. It seems that the majority of programs are most successful for one group of students. In 1987, a study was conducted on the impact of computers in and Introductory level music theory course The results showed that it only helped or impacted one set of students and they were those who: [1]

were able to self diagnose their learning disability
had systematic work habits
who were able to concentrate well for extended periods of time.
were analytical thinkers

Pressure on Teachers

Another disadvantage to many people is the remaining requirement of an actual teacher. But this could be debated whether it is truly a disadvantage. "Human teachers are absolutely essential for teaching music" [2]. Therefore, much pressure is put on the instructor who must choose the correct software and be knowledgeable of the needs of the students.

Loss of Music Theory Knowledge

With all the utility and composing programs, the need for extensive music theory knowledge is lessened. Students with very little notational knowledge can still compose organized and correct works using programs like Finale or Overture. Is this technology producing less technically educated music students? Are computers replacing the art of handwriting scores? And if the answer is yes, are we really losing something important? Ask any teacher, a music software designer and student those questions and the answers are bound to be different. Once again, the rapid rate of the development and demand of technology in this field does not allow for the research needed to provide answers to these questions.

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