MERLOT Evaluation

MERLOT Evaluation

I decided to evaluate Noteflight because I have actually used it in class. It is a cloud based music notation software, which means I can write out music and store it on the internet. So, I can have access to these files at any of my buildings.

Quality of Content:

This software is one way to write out music. It is as correct as any notation software can be. However, it does not have the bells and whistles that make the full versions of software worth their price tags. However, it allows me to quickly input student composition so that they may take it with them at the end of class. They leave with a professional looking copy of music with their name on it as the composer.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching-Learning Tool:

As I said before, this software works well as a teaching tool. I can and have created sample music for use in class and on worksheets. I have also inputted student compositions to print so they could have an authentic and professional piece of music that they wrote. It is incredibly powerful to have a piece of music in your hand with your name on it. It shows students that composers are/were real people, just like them. While I have never had students use this program, I imagine that it would be difficult from a compositional standpoint. Often times, when composing, students create music of a higher degree of difficulty than they would be able to notate. If you put them in front of a computer and tell them to compose something with notation software, it often times lacks quality and does not make sense. The process becomes more about how it looks, rather than how it sounds. However, older students may be able to use this to notate a composition after they have created it with teacher assistance. While the software may not improve learning, it adds a level of authenticity to the lesson that cannot be created elsewhere.

Ease of Use:

This software is incredibly easy to use, if you have experience with notation software. Most musicians and music teachers would have a very easy time with it. However, when using the product with students, unless they have a very strong understanding of music notation, it may be quite difficult without direct supervision. To use this product alone, students may need to be in a high school music theory so they understand all of the symbols and how they should be applied.