How Dr. Chambers Revolutionized Online Music Courses at Oakwood University
Recognizing the potential of Connect For Education’s online music appreciation course, Dr. Chambers embraced the opportunity to leverage its media-rich content for both synchronous and asynchronous teaching formats.
Educator Story
Transformative Results of Integrating Vital Media-Rich Online Music Courses at Oakwood University.
First
To implement blended music courses
First
To implement African American Music Online Course
100%
more engagement of students
Best
Support from Connect For Education
In the fast-paced world of education, staying ahead of the curve is paramount. Two decades ago, Audley C. Chambers, an educator at Oakwood University, embarked on a mission to revolutionize music appreciation courses. Little did he know his journey would intersect with Connect for Education (C4E), leading to transformative changes in his teaching approach.
THE CHALLENGE
Implementing Media-Rich Online Music Courses
Implementing online music courses with rich media content posed a significant challenge for Professor Audley C. Chambers, a distinguished figure in historical musicology at Oakwood University. Over two decades ago, he embarked on a mission to integrate online media-rich texts for teaching music appreciation. However, bureaucratic hurdles obstructed his efforts to secure adequate storage space for music files, stifling his vision. Also, traditional textbooks lacked the ancillary materials and technological adaptability he desired. Despite his passion for delivering engaging content, the constraints of available resources limited his aspirations.
“The Connect for Education courses are rich media content-driven text that can be used like a regular textbook or delivered to your target audience in a synchronous or asynchronous fashion."
School Background
Oakwood University, a historically Black SDA institution of higher learning, offers quality Christian Education that emphasizes academic excellence, promotes harmonious development of mind, body, and spirit, and prepares leaders in service for God and humanity. The
OU prepares students for graduate school and employment by offering curricula leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Bachelor of Science in Music Education, a Bachelor of Music in Music Composition and Recording Arts, and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Pedagogy.
About the Professor
Audley C. Chambers is an associate professor in music history and literature at Oakwood University. Following graduation from Oakwood Universtiy in 1986, he persued his music studies by completing an M.A. in music history in 1988 at the Ohio State University and a Ph.D. in musicology at Northwestern University in 1997.
Chambers has been at OU since 1994 and was music department chair from 2004 to 2011.
The Solution
Embracing Connect For Educations Courses
Amidst these challenges, Professor Chambers discovered Connect for Education (C4E) courses, which offered a promising solution to his dilemma. Recognizing the potential of C4E's online music appreciation course, he embraced the opportunity to leverage its media-rich content for both synchronous and asynchronous teaching formats. Despite initial setbacks, the flexibility and robustness of C4E's materials breathed new life into his teaching approach.
Professor Chambers' journey with C4E courses reflects his quest for effective teaching tools that align with modern pedagogical needs. By adopting C4E's music appreciation and African American music history courses, he found a seamless fit for his teaching assignments. These courses not only complemented his curriculum but also facilitated a smooth transition to online instruction, enriching student learning experiences.
“Behind the scenes, the people working at Connect for Education are very willing, just with a phone call or an email message, to support you 100% in making sure that you deliver a robust course using their material.
And I would just add, look at their online material and give it a try. You might get hooked.”
THE RESULTS
Fully Online Music Education with High Retention
Integration of C4E Courses
Professor Chambers successfully integrated C4E's music appreciation and African American music history courses into his curriculum. These courses complemented his teaching assignments and facilitated a smooth transition to online instruction.
Benefits of C4E Courses
The C4E courses provided rich media content-driven texts with ancillary materials, such as test banks, to enhance student engagement and learning experiences. Professor Chambers highlighted the flexibility and support provided by C4E in delivering robust online courses.
Continued Support
Professor Chambers could not speak highly enough of the support C4E staff provide.
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