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Volume 16, Issue 3
  • ISSN: 1752-7066
  • E-ISSN: 1752-7074

Abstract

Access to professional learning (PL) accompanied by digital technologies was a game changer for educators during COVID-19. This was no different for Australian music educators, whose roles were redefined by their use of music technology and information and communication technologies (ICT). In this article the authors present questionnaire data from their ongoing study ‘Re-imagining the future: Music teaching and learning, and ICT in blended environments in Australia’. They ask the question: How can using the DELP (Device, Software and Tools; Environment; Learning Focus; and Pedagogy) quadrant facilitate PL to support teacher agency and relevance across diverse learning contexts? Reflecting on a recent paper presentation at the (The University of Hull, UK) they refined the previously published DELP quadrant drawing on findings from a Qualtrics survey. The survey was administered across three phases (Phase 1, = 109, 2021; Phase 2, = 105, 2022; Phase 3, = 116, 2023). Using thematic analysis across the three phases of the study, five themes are discussed. From the findings we use the metaphor of a PL café menu where teachers select and consume their PL preferences. We recommend our Music Technology and ICT Café Menu as an effective way for music educators to consume PL providing flexibility, authenticity and agency that is cost-effective regardless of location. We argue that sustainable PL can be provided with more efficiency and relevance when the DELP quadrant and Music Technology and ICT Menu meet the consumption needs of teachers to keep them full and satisfied while nourishing their professional growth. Generalizations cannot be made from this national study as we only focused on music educators, a limitation given the small sample size ( = 330) only focusing on one discipline area. Nonetheless the conceptualization of café menu can be adopted and adapted to other learning areas.

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2025-07-30
2026-02-17
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Sustainable professional learning using music technology and ICT: The DELP quadrant and a digital learning café
Journal of Music, Technology & Education 16, 173 (2023); https://doi.org/10.1386/jmte_00067_1
/content/journals/10.1386/jmte_00067_1
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  • Article Type: Article
Keyword(s): authentic learning; digital literacy; information communications and technology (ICT); music education; music technology; professional development; professional learning; teacher training

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