Capturing the Moment and Replaying the Tape: Developing Technology-Enhanced Strategies for Student Learning and Engagement in Music Performance at Third Level

Initially motivated by a need to create clear guidelines for assessment and feedback on group performances in music, this chapter reflects on the impact of an intervention developed during an accredited professional development programme in learning and teaching to utilise audio-visual technology to improve the student learning experience by making recordings of classroom activities accessible to students through a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Students on the music programme engage in a series of ensemble performance projects across a range of genres. Building on the concept of assessment for learning, the project involves consideration of effective group work, student interaction and engagement in group learning activities within and beyond the classroom. Formative peer assessment becomes an integral tool in the development of motivation and understanding and can help identify areas or skills that students need to develop from week to week over the course of the module. Participation in an accredited professional development programme allowed the lecturer to share ideas, learn from critique and develop best practice in terms of research and implementation within and beyond the discipline of music.