2007/05: 5th International EAS Students Forum, Pitea (SE)

In the frame of the EAS conference in Pitea / Sweden the 5th International Students Forum took place.

Start-date: Thursday, May 10 2007
End-date: Sunday, May 20 2007

Report

In the frame of the EAS-congress in Pitea the 5th International Student Forum took place on the Musikhogskolan.

The program of the student forum was printed in the official conference-program, partly it was combined with the main congress, partly the students had different presentations, wokshops and discussions, or worked on special tasks.




Congress Program including the activities of the Student Forum


Students Voice - short comments

Students were asked to write a text on:

•     How has your view of music education been changed, confirmed or challenged during this conference?
•     What are the future perspectives of music education regarding media and new technology?

Final statement

    There are large similarities between the different countries, we have a lot in common!

In general:

•     Media and new technology is a very useful tool in music education
•     Using these resources may help to increase the standard of education
•     Should be used as a tool, not a subject (a fire is a good slave but a terrible master – it could be that way with technology too)

Challenges that we have in common:

•     Inclusion: Emphasis on moving all children on in their musical learning
•     Justifying music education as a school subject
•     Methodology needed for more context based learning (Musical Futures project in UK)
•     How to respond as teachers to the everyday musical environment of our pupils?
•     How to link to the music culture of teenagers?
•     Using ICT is a big challenge for teachers who are not prepared to use technology
•     Teacher education is needed in the field of multimedia

In the future:

•     Closer relationship between music education and media and new technology in the future – we are only in the beginning of discovering the possibilities
•     We need a general platform, and then we can move on from there
•     Platforms will important in the future, forums for discussion, sharing of ideas and materials

Split opinions:

•     Ideally, technology should be considered as an instrument alongside other musical instruments
•     A good and enthusiastic music teacher can never be replaced by technology
•     Music needs to be played and experienced
•     Music must sound to be music; we cannot just talk about it
•     Media and new technology can never replace live music

Participants of the 5th International Student Forum

    Chloe Matus
    Christina Bacher
    Eva Pulik
    Joanna Szybalska
    Ladislav Fodor
    Merve Erden
    Milos Mantis
    Nihal Ulutürk
    Ondrej Konopa
    Phil Dobie
    Stuart Sheperd
    Marijke van den Bergen