A Model for Developing Interactive Instructional Multimedia Applications for Electronic Music Instructors

This study investigated methods for designing a procedural model for the development of interactive multimedia applications for electronic music instruction. The model, structured as a procedural guide, was derived from methodologies synthesized from related research areas and documented as a reference for educators, instructional designers, and product developers for developing interactive multimedia applications. While the model was designed primarily for junior college electronic music students, it has the potential for generalization to other related disciplines. A Formative Committee consisting of five experts in the areas of education, music education, cognitive psychology, and institutional research assisted in the development of a set of criteria for the model. Utilizing the Nominal Group Technique, the committee examined, evaluated, and scored the efficacy of each proposed criterion according to its relevance to the model. Criteria approved by the committee and the researcher were incorporated in the model design. A Design Committee comprised of five experts in the areas of instructional design, media/interaction design, behavioral psychology, and electronic music evaluated and validated the criteria set established by the Formative Committee. The validation was realized through surveys and formative feedback of the criteria set developed by the Formative Committee. Prototype instantiations of the process model were an integral part of the model development process. Prototypes derived from the model were used to test the efficacy of the model criteria. A Development Committee comprised of members of the Formative and Design committees examined and evaluated prototype instantiations. Recommendations for improvements were implemented in the model design. A Pilot Study was conducted by the Development Committee to assist the product development process and to evaluate the efficacy of the model. As a result of the study, a number of suggestions proposed by the committee were implemented for further improvement of the model. A Summative Committee comprised of educational experts having significant experience in educational research examined the efficacy of the model criteria established and validated by the Formative and Design committees. The Summative Committee evaluated the model and made recommendations for improving the model. Founded on a set of criteria, the electronic music model was successfully developed and evaluated by a team of professionals. The Development and Summative Committees were satisfied with the results of this study and the criteria developed for the model design were deemed to be complete and relevant to the model. The results of this study suggest that instruction based on this model will support the unique learning needs of students having diverse cultural, learning, and educational backgrounds