Utilizing Technology in Clinical Practice: A Comparison of Board-Certified Music Therapists and Music Therapy Students

Abstract

Over the past several decades there has been an increase in the use of technology, especially since technology is fairly accessible to the general public. Recent consumer surveys and industry data indicate a continuous growth and accessibility of technology in the home environment (Barrett, 2005; Jacobs, 2009; Rose & Lenski, 2006). Results from a survey by Horrigan (2007) indicated that in 2006, 73% of Americans had cell phones, 68% had desktop computers, 55% had digital cameras, 43% had video cameras, 30% had laptop computers, 20% had iPods/mp3 players, 13% had webcams, and 11% had personal digital assistants (PDA). A different survey indicated that 81% of the U.S. population uses the Internet (Rose & Lenski, 2006), and for individuals with Internet access, many music opportunities are available, including purchasing online music, downloading music files, listening to online radio, and listening to music on computers (Barrett, 2005). Recently podcasts have gained popularity. Podcasts are digital content-related broadcasts available for free download from the Internet, which can be downloaded to a computer or portable media player. At the convenience of their own place and time, people can use mobile devices, such as personal media players, cellular phones, PDAs, and mobile computers to download learning materials (Cebeci & Tekdal, 2006).Discussion boards have provided opportunities for listeners to respond to weblogs, audio blogs, Rich Site Summary (RSS), and podcasts. A variety of podcast recording software is provided for free or provides free trials, such as CastBlaster, Audacity, Podifier, and Podcast Factory. As a matter of fact, Apple's GarageBand is automatically provided on every Apple computer that is sold. A number of editing software exits for PCs and Macs. Technological devices combined with software provide increased opportunities for average, everyday people to make and edit their own movies and music videos. In a recent survey, Rainie (2008) found that 22% of Americans make their own videos, and 14% post portions of their videos online. Opportunities to post videos online have grown over the past year, especially due to the increased number of video sites that are similar to YouTube. It is evident that there are many opportunities for the general public to utilize and connect with current technology trends.Technology in Higher EducationIn the past few years articles in the Chronicle of Higher Education have addressed the pros and cons of technology in higher education (Fernandez, 2007; Read, 2005), and many professors have provided information regarding the use of technology in the collegiate setting (Bergstrom, 2006; Cebeci & Tekdal, 2006). Cebeci and Tekdal (2006) explained the importance of making podcasts into learning objects or chunks of information that relates to a whole but provides easier learning through smaller portions. Thus, learning objects must have academic values, which differs from ordinary audio objects or podcasts files. Wafers-Like Audio Learning Object (WALO) proved to be efficient in learning by maintaining learner attention, regulating physiological capacity, retaining abilities, and involving sensory channels of students. One technology-based assessment used in higher education involves student response systems, often called clickers, which engages students in large lecture classes (Bergstrom, 2006). Professors presented questions on course material during class, which students answered by pressing a key on a clicker device; this allows professors to evaluate student understanding during lectures.Duke University provided iPods, equipped with Belkin Voice Recorders, for approximately 1600 incoming students for fall 2004 to encourage creative use of technology in academia (Belanger, 2005). In their final report, the various uses of iPods in academia were documented, including courses in which the iPods were especially useful for learning course material. …