The Musical Fireflies – Learning about Mathematical Patterns in Music through Expression and Play

This week I searched for an article that would be something new and relative to learning through music as well as technology.  In ECE we always stress the importance of learning through play, so I found it fit to include this article for one of my entries. The article discusses the design of a new musical toy called fireflies. They are “palm sized digital musical instruments that introduce mathematical concepts in music such as beat, rhythm and polyrhythm without requiring users to have any prior knowledge of music theory or instruction” (Lackner, et el, 2000). They can be played with individually or collaboratively. The article describes the digital manipulative to be one that will enhance meaningful learning and experiences with music, without the boring or exhausting training or theory.

I choose this article because I was interesting in learning more about the benefits that music would provide to entertaining as well as academic learning. This article provided me that knowledge about something new; something I had not seen or heard of before. As a struggling math student growing up (and still presently), this may have been beneficial the understanding of mathematical concepts early on. Early learning plays a major role in my teaching philosophy. I am always looking for ways to enhance and provide new opportunities for learning. Learning through play is another part of my philosophy of education, and with this “technological device” children are able to play and learn. From these learning experiences, a sense of rhythmical patterns and an understanding of analytical and formal exploration can be achieved. Just like reading or math concepts, children need exposure and background knowledge and experiences to build from. These musical fireflies give children that exposure that will assist in later musical knowledge and development. I chose this article as it was reflective of the week’s topic as well as the importance that technology has in relation to music and learning. The article goes on to describe the technological aspects involved in the musical fireflies, which was quite neat to read about. As a future educator, it is important to be educating yourself. I was also able to connect this with the songchild assignment. I have currently been learning to play the guitar and have played the piano in the past. Many classmates have been mentioned their frustrations as they wish they had played a musical instrument. After reading more about the product, it seems like this would be something suitable for learning for scratch. I think often people steer away from trying to play an instrument because they fear not having any knowledge. Like learning anything new, it can be frustrating and giving up will often occurs. The musical fireflies seem to be something that could be beneficial in the classroom.