The tool that I chose for the second blog was using Pandora Radio. Pandora is a streaming radio service that daily uploads new songs as they are found by Pandora's search team. The idea is to give users free streaming music over the internet that is custom tailored to their personal tastes. The basic premise is that you enter an artist name or song into the search bar, and Pandora creates a station that should fit your style. It also features artist biographies, and lyric lists for you to browse while you listen.
I have used this for quite some time now, and for the most part I only use it for listening to a new variety of artists that fit my sound. How is it that this could be used in education? This is an excellent question, but I find it has many applications if you learn to stretch your educational boundaries into something a little abstract. The way that I would think is most logical would be to search artists of certain genres, and then use their artist biographies to link them to what was happening at that time in history. One of the nice things about the music industry is that it usually mirrors the mood of the world at the time. A few examples of this would have to be how much of the music during the Vietnam conflict called for peace and understanding, and during the Civil Rights Movement many artists of different races came into prominence. Another way is to use it is during intense study sessions. Many studies have been conducted with people using low level music to help retain knowledge. An educator could actually try lecturing with a soundtrack, then testing students while playing the same music in the background to see if test scores improve.
For my personal experiences I generally use this to expand my music knowledge into new artists. I really enjoy broadening my taste in music, and learning the history behind new bands. I also find this is helpful for college students to save money. I personally enjoy using Pandora instead of getting on iTunes to download my new favorite artists. Or at least this way I can get a better selection of songs because now I get more than a thirty second clip.
Pandora is nearly self explanatory once you sign up and start. I actually first created an account from my smart phone. The basic service is free, and the only disadvantages are you have to listen to ads, and your skipping is limited to five a day. To best narrow your search results you are supposed to pick a song that you feel best fits your taste you are looking for. I however usually pick an artist I am interested in exploring. Pandora is also starting to upload artist interviews, and live concerts to help broaden your horizon.
The best way is to get started by going to www.pandora.com and creating your very own account.
