The Design Principles of On-Demand Learning: A Design-Based Research Study of Educative Provisioning in Popular Music Production

The formal education of musicians in popular music production requires students to engage with learning to use music technology. This can present a challenge to beginners, who can struggle to engage with the technical processes involved in operating these technologies. Navigating the complexities of a wide range of software and hardware can be a significant challenge. The development of effective strategies for supporting their learning activities requires consideration, because of the volume of information required for successful outcomes. The delivery of on-demand information through improved access to mobile technologies is a subject of interest in post-secondary education. This learning approach aligns with the learning strategies of users of technologies outside of formal education, where seeking technical tutorials is increasingly more common. Often musicians combine learning opportunities with popular music production activities, because of the wide range of skills and technologies involved in the area. Supporting students with a range of on-demand resources could assist students to develop skills in popular music production. This research project investigates the design principles that could be used to deliver these resources to maximise student engagement in on-demand learning. The study is conducted using a design-based-research methodology with students and staff within a conservatorium teaching popular music. The cohort of 125 students was invited to participate in the research through surveys and focus groups, while eight staff members contributed to the research through interviews. This evolved a series of design principles, which could be used as a guide for developing on-demand resources to support education in the area.