ONLINE: The New Environment for World Music

This paper will address how a World Music course can be successfully taught in an on-line environment for undergraduates.  From teaching the class on-line the presenter will outline the steps for converting and transforming a traditional class to an on-line environment. 

Successful assignments, projects, and outcomes will be presented. The paper will describe how means to assess student understanding and comprehension in the on-line environment compares to the traditional classroom environment.  Suggestions for creating on-line discussion boards, assignments, quizzes, and feedback will be addressed.

As part of the next portion of the paper, the presenter will address obstacles and potential problems that can occur in the on-line environment.  Problems with communication, software installation, playing audio files, and evaluating responses will be examined.

In preparing to offer such a course the presenter will discuss the steps, considerations, and desired time needed for preparing the course. The presenter will create a chart summarizing the pros and cons of offering such a course in the on-line environment.  Sources and materials currently available to teach World Music on-line will also be evaluated.