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MusicFirst Classroom: An online platform for extending music beyond the classroom

Written by: Steven Berryman
5 min read
City of London School for Girls provides students and staff with iPads, and all departments are encouraged to explore how best to integrate the use of mobile technology into the classroom. The music department has adopted the MusicFirst Classroom - an online platform where students can access cloud-based software and create a portfolio of work - to enhance our approach to assessment and extend learning beyond the classroom. This case study will share the benefits and challenges of integrating an online platform with all of Key Stage 3. Drawing on pupil voice, discussions with the founder of the platform and staff that are using it, it will be revealed that there is scope to make effective use of an online platform to fully democratise the learning of music so that all students, regardless of musical skill, can engage with the curriculum.   The core rationale of MusicFirst, founder Jim Frankel stated, ‘emerged from my doctoral research into the assessment of standards using

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This article was published in January 2019 and reflects the terminology and understanding of research and evidence in use at the time. Some terms and conclusions may no longer align with current standards. We encourage readers to approach the content with an understanding of this context.

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      2019 Special Issue: Education Technology

      January 2019

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