Music education software : an HCI evaluation of existing software and prototype implementation of an ear training programme based on a proposed approach

Abstract

This research paper uses Human Computer Interaction(HCI) evaluation methods, namely questionnaires and interviews, to obtain information about the kind of music software currently in common use in music departments, and the level of satisfaction of the students with this software. The evaluation results are then used to examine the possibilities for some improvement of this software. The evaluation reveals that certain software, such as that used for the area of aural (ear) training in music study, may not be used to its fullest extent as a result of a lack of student interest in the software. This research considers one possible reason for the lack of interest, namely that students find no relevance or meaning in the content of such software.