Making Meaningful Musical Experiences Accessible Using the iPad

Abstract

In this chapter we report on our experiences using ubiquitous computing devices to introduce music-based creative activities into an Australian school. The use of music applications on mobile tablet computers (iPads) made these activities accessible to students with a limited musical background and practicable in a general-purpose classroom setting. The activities were designed to be meaningful and contribute toward personal resilience in the students. We describe the approach to meeting these objectives and discuss results of the project. The chapter includes an overview of the ongoing project including its aims, objectives and utilisation of mobile technologies and software with generative and networkable capabilities. Two theoretical frameworks informed the research design: the meaningful engagement matrix and personal resilience. We describe these frameworks and how they inform the activity planning. We report on the activities undertaken to date and share results from questionnaires, interviews, musical outcomes and observation.