Approaches to teaching and learning middle school music using technology

With the rapid pace of digital transformation and technological advancements, there is a clear direction in education to enhance students' digital media literacy, starting with the 2022 National Curriculum; this is also an important task in music education. In line with the trend, this study investigates the types and functions of technology that can be utilized in middle school music education. Additionally, it has developed practical examples of music teaching and learning processes that make use of these technologies. To achieve this, an analysis of the 2015 and 2022 music National Curriculum was conducted, along with discussions on the necessity of technology integration in music curricula; the current middle school music textbooks were analyzed, and literature reviews, website surveys, and interviews with music education technology experts were conducted. As a result, a total of 24 technologies suitable for music activities in the areas of performance, listening, and composition at the middle school level were identified, along with their usage instructions, advantages, and disadvantages. Furthermore, utilizing those technologies, the researchers developed practical teaching and learning guides for the performance and composition areas based on the content of the 2022 music National Curriculum. As a conclusion of the research process, the researchers suggested the importance of developing music technologies that are suitable for the Korean curriculum and school environment, the necessity of learner-driven and critically receptive approaches in utilizing artificial intelligence music composition technologies, and the need for music teachers to take a leading role in the development of music education technologies.