Author: Kadie Harris (Page 2 of 2)

This week, I explored a new to me tech tool called Flowkey, a platform designed to help learners of all ages and skills levels play the piano through interactive, online instruction. Since my learning project this term is focused on learning piano using online resources, Flowkey was the perfect tool to try out.

Source Photo: The Smarter Learning Guide: Your Guide to Better at Home Learning https://smarterlearningguide.com/flowkey-review/

What is Flowkey?

Flowkey is a web –based and mobile app that teaches piano through a combination of video tutorials and interactive work sheet. As you play, the app/website listens through your device’s microphone and provides real-time feedback. It also provides feedback and techniques on how to improve.

This app/website is free to try. There is a premium subscription you may use if you wish to unlock all lessons and songs on the app.

Step-by-Step Instructions Using Flowkey

1. Sign up: Start by signing up by going to flowkey.com or download the app.
2. Choose your skill level and set up your keyboard or piano

• Tip: the app will ask you a couple of questions before beginning such as your skill level, your goals, what music you would like to play, if you have a piano.

3. Click on the first lesson to beginning your journey.

Tips for Beginners

• Use headphones for better sound detection
• Start with beginner lessons before starting full songs
• Practice a little each day and repeat small sections if needed until you get onto the right track

Starting the first video – Introduction to the Piano Guide

1. When sitting at a piano, you should be sitting up in an upfront comfortable position. Your fingers should be parallel to the keys when you place your hand in middle of the piano. Your elbows should be pointed slightly outward. When you move your arms outward, your elbows can work with them so your arms can open up.
2. Your fingers should be slightly bent, like you are holding a small ball in your hand.
3. The black keys come in groups of 2’s and 3’s. This pattern makes it easy to originate yourself on the piano
4. The first and important note is the C. The C is always located to the left of the two black keys. A special C is the Middle C. You can find this one to the left of the two middle black keys. The C position is the starting key to other key positions called D, E, F, G.
5. You will start your first simple song called, Ode to Joy, written by Beethoven, using these 4 first key notes we just learned.

How I’d Use Flowkey in the Classroom (SAMAR Model)

Flowkey can be a great tool for teaching piano in a music classroom, especially if you have access to keyboard or tablets. If a pandemic were to ever happen again, this would be a great tool to help students through online learning learn the piano. Especially by getting accurate feedback. As an online teacher may not be able to give there full potential on feedback. If it was used in an in person classroom this tool can be used as a homework practice to continue learning and practicing at home. If I was a music teacher I would use all of these strategies including using it as a way for students to record themselves and write or talk about what they found easy or hard, what they improved on, and what they want to try next. Having students examine if a tool such as this works better than in person piano lessons.

Following the SAMAR Model it could be super beneficial in these ways. You may view diagram I made or written version below:

• Substitution: Students use Flowkey instead of regular sheet music
• Augmentation: The app gives feedback and guides students as they play
• Modification: Students can learn at their own speed with teacher support
• Redefinition: Students can record themselves playing and reflect or share their progress online such as through a digital portfolio—something not easily done in traditional piano class

Strengths and Weaknesses of Flowkey

Strengths:

• Beginner-Friendly: Provides clear instructions and step-by-step lessons making it easy to start
• Interactive Feedback: It listens to your playing and waits for you to hit the right notes
• Huge Song List: Offers a wide range of songs
• Flexible Learning: You can learn at your own pace, anytime and anywhere. Will not go forward until you master each step
• Visually Appealing: The app/website is visually appealing and easy to navigate

Weaknesses:

• Limited Free Content: Only provides a few lessons and songs for free—you require a subscription to use full access
• No Personal Feedback: It does not correct technique or posture how an in person would
• Needs a Quiet Environment: If using a microphone, background needs to be quiet or it will pick up background noise and not give accurate feedback
• Not for young children: May be hard to navigate as a young child. Aimed for at least 9 year olds.

My final Verdict on Flowkey

Overall, I found Flowkey to be a helpful and easy to use tool for learning piano. It offers great easy to the point instructions with a wide range of song libraries, and real-time feedback. My only downfall with this tool is to go any further in a learning journey of learning the piano you will require a subscription estimating from $149.99 per year ($12.49/month). There is however a 7 day trial you may wish to try before purchasing. Overall, I would recommend this tool for both beginners and teachers looking to add tech to music education. When I tried the free beginner lessons it gave me great feedback. When I messed up on my piano, it told me to go to the beginning to try again. Teachers should definitely try it out!

In today’s world, technology is deeply woven into nearly every aspect of our live—whether we realize it or not. I’ve noticed that a large portion of my day is spent engaging with technology, and lately, I’ve become more mindful of how it impacts my habits, productivity, and overall wellbeing. This week, I made a conscious effort to reflect on how I interact with technology, and here’s what I discovered.

My Most-Used Platforms: Academic and Social Blends

On a typical day, I found myself bouncing between a few core apps and platforms. Unsurprisingly, academics take up a significant portion of my screen time. I’m enrolled in classes at the University of Regina year-around, except during the summer semester. Because of this, I estimate that around 60% of my daily screen time is dedicated to schoolwork—outside of work hours and time spend resting.

The academic platforms I frequently use is Google Docs to complete assignments, and occasionally Canva for creating visuals and presentations for certain classes. Ur Courses is also a key platform I use for accessing course materials and submitting work.

iPhones offer a handy screen time feature that tracks app usage daily and weekly. According to last week’s report, I spent an average of 13 minutes per day—or 1 hour and 32 minutes per week—on Google Docs via my phone. However, I primarily use my laptop for academic work, and I estimate I spend about 3 hours per day on Google Docs there. Similarly, while Safari logged 31 minutes per day (3 hours and 42 minutes per week) on UR Courses via my phone, I actually spend closer to 3 hours daily on this site through my laptop as well.

Outside of academics, I spend time on apps like TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, and Instagram—mostly for entertainment and connecting with friends. While platforms like Snapchat and Instagram are purely recreational, I do occasionally find educational content on TikTok. I follow several teacher accounts that share helpful resources for the classroom. One of my favourites is Education to the Core, which offers affordable teaching materials through a promoted website I’ve bookmarked for future use.

Staying Organized: Digital Tools That Keep Me on Track

To stay organized, my go-to tool is Google Calendar. I use it to keep track of work shifts, class times, assignment deadlines, and appointments. What I love about it is that it’s accessible on any device and allows for colour coding—purple for appointments, light blue for work, and individual colours for each class. It also sends me timely notifications, which help me stay on top of things.

When I first started University, I used Google Sheets to track my assignments, inspired by someone on TikTok. While that system was helpful, I’ve since found that Google Calendar works better for me. It helps me visualize my week and reduces the anxiety that comes with worrying I’ve forgotten something.

Tackling Digital Distractions

As much as we like to think technology only benefits us, it can also be one of the biggest obstacles to productivity. One of my biggest distractions is TikTok. I’m not sure if it’s the habit of endlessly scrolling or falling down rabbit holes, but I often find myself saying, “I’ll just watch one video,” and suddenly, an hour has passed. I’m especially guilty of this at bedtime. That said, I’ve never submitted a late assignment or let my distractions significantly affect my academic performance.

One strategy that’s helped me is learning to distinguish between intentional tech use and mindless scrolling. When I sit down to do homework, I try to create a focused environment. Since the weather has warmed up, I’ve started working in my backyard, away from people and the TV. I also turn on “Focus Mode” on my phone to silence notifications and restrict access to distracting apps.

Recently, I discovered a platform called LifeAt.io through TikTok. It’s a virtual workspace that creates calming, customizable environments designed to help you focus. It includes simple to-do lists, customizable timers, and background scenes. My favorite is Mount Shuksan—a serene view of mountains and a lake, complete with birds chirping and water flowing in the background. I highly recommend trying it out!

Source: Luminex. Top 5 Aesthetic Virtual Study Spaces to Instantly Boost Focus. Medium. https://medium.com/@Luminex/top-5-aesthetic-virtual-study spaces-to-instantly-boost-focus-52a6d9a589ea

Final Thoughts

This week has helped me become more aware of how I use technology—both the ways it supports me and the ways it can get in the way. With the right tools and a bit of self-awareness, I believe we can all strike a healthy balance in our digital lives.