Groovy+Jungle

INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE REVIEWS
1. CITATION AND GENERAL INFORMATION
 * Title: Groovy Jungle
 * Authors: Sandra Stauffer, Mary Elizabeth, Pauline Adams
 * Publisher: [|Sibelius Software Ltd.]
 * Copyright Date: 2006
 * Platforms: Windows 98/2000/XP or Mac OS X 10.2 or later
 * Peripherals: MIDI Keyboard (optional)
 * Late Elementary/Ages 7 and up
 * Type of Class: General Music

2. TEACHER SUPPORT
 * Documentation: Included with the program is a booklet with teacher resources. On the internet there is a walkthrough and description of the entire program.
 * Lesson plans are included in the booklet, each containing specific objectives and addressing the [|national standards].
 * The booklet also contains a teacher only section, which has screenshots provided at every step, to make sure the teacher is completley familiar with the program.

3. INSTRUCTIONAL CONTENT
 * The software contains two main modes, explore and create.
 * Explore mode allows the student to explore different aspects of music. It works with everything from sounds and textures to expression. Instant feedback is provided while the students are engaged in activities. Also, if done correctly, the students can obtain "bonus items" for their correct answers.
 * Create mode allows the student to explore creating music. The music is created through the use of "jungle images." The images control melody, bassline, rhythm, arpeggios, and chords. The software is aimed at students in key stage 2, but can be used for students of any level.
 * The lesson plans included in the booklet address 7 of the national music education standards:

1. Singing, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. 2. Performing on instruments, alone and with others, a varied repertoire of music. 3. Improvising melodies, variations, and accompaniments. 4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines. 5. Reading and notating music. 6. Listening to, analyzing, and describing music. 7. Evaluating music and music performances. 8. Understanding relationships between music, the other arts, and disciplines outside the arts. 9. Understanding music in relation to history and culture.

4. INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN AND PEDAGOGICAL SOUNDNESS
 * The teaching strategies presented in Groovy Jungle were very appropriate for upper elementary level to middle school. The syncopated rhythms may prove to be difficult for younger students.
 * The layout of the program is very easy to follow, and easy to track your steps.
 * The graphics are helpful to the presentation of the software.
 * For example, in create mode, the jungle images move and correspond to the music, giving the music a visual cue.
 * The user has complete control over what he or she wants to do with the program. At any time they can switch between modes, start over, or choose a different activity.

5. RECORD KEEPING > in explore mode.
 * User accounts can be created to track student progress and they can save their compositions in create mode and/or

6. OVERALL EVALUATION
 * The program is an excellent resource to help supplement musical concepts learned in class. Also, the newly added compatibility with Sibelius is a great feature. You can take the composition from the create mode, and look at its score through Sibelius. Also, I think that the program is a good way to help students explore music, and what music sounds like. Overall, the program is an excellent way to reinforce musical concepts that students have been presented with in their music classes.
 * (4 Stars, Excellent)

7. Originally created by Rocco Durante Revised: Barbara Oltmanns - 6/14/2011