Nordplus Intensive Course 2021: Music Learning with Digital Technologies

1.- 5. November

University of Iceland, Laugarvatn

Nordic Network for Music Education

NNME is a network within Nordplus. The partners in the network are among the leading institutions in the Nordic and the Baltic countries within the academic field of music education (in the Nordic countries called music pedagogy).


Music Learning with Digital Technologies

The next NNME course, "Music Learning with Digital Technologies", will be hosted in Laugarvatn near Reykjavik, by the University of Iceland, November 1-5. The course will focus on different aspects of applying digital tools in the music classroom and on the potential and challenges of introducing new technologies in a broader educational context. This year’s keynotes will present new perspectives on research in the field and insights from some of the most innovative projects, i.e Biophilia inspired by the artist Björk. Among this year's keynotes are prof. Alex Ruthmann (NYU; Visiting Professor, HVL) and Margrét Júlíana Sigurðardóttir, co-founder of the ‘Mussila music school’ app for children. During the course students will be invited to form "think tanks" working on possible new directions for digital technologies in music education.

The course will be offered on location and online, via Zoom.

Participation: Students can participate either online or on-site. Students who participate fully in the course over the 5 days can qualify for 3 ECTS credits (awarded by their own institution based on the course certificate provided). Students who participate fully and also present their own work (usually thesis work in progress or completed) can qualify for 6 ECTS credits (same conditions apply).

Note: Due to restrictions, only a limited number of students from each institution can participate ON-SITE. However, there is not limit to how many can participate online. The NNME coordinator at each institution is responsible for prioritising and choosing who will travel to Iceland.

Important: Travellers to Iceland need to travel no later than 31. October to join the course on Monday morning 1. November. We assume that participants will stay all five days (required by Nordplus in order to receive the grant and the ECTS credits). Therefore, departures from Iceland cannot be earlier than Saturday 6. November (usually there are no late evening flights from Iceland to European countries, making it impossible to leave on the Friday). Hotel rooms will be reserved in Reykjavik for these two extra nights for all travelling participants.

Musilla App — Introduction

Laugarvatn

The course will take in the university facilities in Laugarvatn overlooking the lake, right next to the Fontana Pool & SPA — a recreational facility built around a natural hot spring. Laugarvatn is located on the Golden Circle, one of the most popular sightseeing routes in Iceland, directly connecting some of the country's most spectacular and beloved tourist destinations. It is also a perfect point of departure for short hikes and relaxing walks in the pure Icelandic nature.


Travelling to Iceland

Before travelling to Iceland, please make sure to carefully check the official guidelines for visitors.

As for today, it is obligatory for all travellers to:

  • register their arrival online before departure

  • provide a vaccination certificate and a negative PCR or rapid antigen COVID-19 test result before boarding the flight

  • take a free of charge COVID-19 test after arrival, before leaving the airport

Travellers who follow the above procedure will not be required to quarantine after their arrival.

Please remember to take warm clothes suitable for hiking! The weather conditions in Iceland tend to change rapidly.