research goals & questions.
I would like to develop a game that can be utilized within any classroom for beginning band students.
There is a popular game for beginner-level band students called “Band Karate.” It is not actually an interactive game, rather it’s a series of tasks (or assignments) each student must complete to “earn” colored belts, as is done in real Martial Arts training. Rather than competing with each other, however, the students focus on their own accomplishments. I have noted specifically that students really like the tangible prize of “belts” that they earn (colored ribbons or strings they can display on their instrument cases), however that goal in itself loses its incentive value after some time. I believe this lack of interest starts to take over for students because it is not a very social game, and there is no level of connection to the physical theme of active Martial Arts.
I would like to create a video game-based band activity based on a similar premise that incorporates a space theme, and some “real time” virtual representation of the students on a platform that allows social interaction (at least visually) with each other. I have a system of visual awards that allows the students that representation of what level they’ve accomplished, but there is a new level of social interactivity I hope to design within the game environment. Rather than simply focusing on belts, the players’ goal will be to move through the solar system and work on reaching the next planet by accomplishing the tasks that they would normally have as requirements in regular Band Karate. Students will be able to submit their recordings from tools integrated within the game environment, and then their avatar will be on the planet itself with other students who are at the same level. Additionally, there will be some ability for students to interact with each other socially in the “world” of that planet. This gives students extra incentive to stay on-par with their friends, and with class goals and standards. As an extra bonus, there will be opportunities to earn bonuses and extra credit with activities like Stars, Meteors, Black Holes, and more. These will be represented by special ribbons and will not be limited; students can earn them many times over to improve previous scores.
Ultimately I would aim to make a full research study of this that would have actual students taking part in the activity. I know that it will not be possible to objectively measure achievement, but perhaps it could be based on student participation and classroom motivation. I would love to develop this into a full dissertation and add to the relatively small existing body of research and literature looking at various aspects of gaming within the realm of music education.
Overall, integration of the game to aid research is the goal, and the game itself will be developed out through my practicum project, to which I have 100 hours of work and testing experience to utilize.
Main research questions:
- Does the incorporation of any type of gaming inspire students to practice more, and thus accomplish growth more quickly as compared to students who do not have this element of learning?
- Taking it one step further, does an opportunity to create a game using the material being learned help students to process material more quickly, and improve previously mentioned areas?
Link to Google Form used to collect research data from educators: