Technological Advancement
Sunday 19 January 2025
Personal Reflections
During a recent visit to China, I was struck by the remarkable pace of technological advancement. This includes developments such as high-speed rail networks and enhanced infrastructure, as well as the integration of robotics and drones for food delivery. These advancements have significantly transformed villages into modern cities, and rural regions into bustling metropolises. In the image presented, one can observe an abandoned construction site juxtaposed with thriving agricultural fields.
Photo taken in TongXiang in January 2025 in which the high-speed rail can be seen alongside the cultivation of crops and construction.
I have been contemplating the possibility that the construction industry may have outpaced demand, leading to numerous abandoned buildings. It appears that many companies have either gone bankrupt or have been unable to secure the necessary resources to complete their projects. As a result, various constructions stand in disrepair, as individuals lack the capital to move forward with the development.
During my recent visit to TongXiang, I learned that construction at a specific site has been halted and has remained in its current state for over two years.
This situation prompted me to reflect on student education, particularly regarding our approach to technology. While many educators expose students to various technological tools, we may not be equipping them with the skills necessary to utilize these tools effectively.
It is crucial that we go beyond simply incorporating technology into our lessons; we must also engage in open discussions about its use, explore its possibilities, and ensure that theoretical knowledge is taught alongside practical skills.
In the immediate future, one of our primary focuses will be on how to effectively instruct students in the purposeful, revealing, and meaningful use of technology.
In many instances involving music technology and software, students often surpass their educators and the instructions provided. Thus, it is vital to offer appropriate scaffolding within lessons and units to help students comprehend the all-important musical features by utilising technological tools to illustrate their findings and apply their understanding effectively.
By doing so, students will be able to create original works, grasp established conventions, and experiment more meaningfully with source material. This carefully mapped-out approach will naturally enhance their evaluation skills, providing them with deeper insights into the construction of musical works and stylistic characteristics.
"Fast-Paced" Photo by Joakim Honkasalo on Unsplash
Consequently, this shift will move them beyond a superficial understanding of the aesthetic aspects of technologically generated music, allowing for the application of musical features across various musical contexts.