Empowering Inclusive and Multimodal Practices in Preschool Music Education: Exploring the Assistive Technology Potential of Synth4kids Software
摘要
This study examines the design and implementation of educational scenarios created with Synth4kids, an innovative music-educational software designed for preschool education. Synth4kids offers an intuitive environment that fosters musical creativity, inclusion, and differentiated instruction through emerging and assistive capabilities. As an original and innovative tool designed for preschool education, it bridges accessibility gaps while promoting joyful, multisensory music-making. The intervention consisted of twelve weekly sessions, each lasting approximately 45 min, for four male children aged four to six years, at Baby Maestro Cyprus. Sessions were structured to integrate the AT and ET features of Synth4kids. In line with Universal Design for Learning principles, educational activities have been crafted to boost musical engagement in young children via personalized, play-based interactive experiences. The findings indicate that the early integration of assistive features, such as gaze control, motion tracking, tactile interfaces, and chromesthesia, significantly enhances accessibility, creativity, and social participation among learners with diverse profiles. Notably, incorporating Synth4kids into music teaching and learning activities demonstrates how AT tools promote agency, autonomy, and collaborative creativity, fostering new pedagogical approaches that enhance equity and engagement in music education. Overall, this study reveals that the thoughtful use of digital technologies can transform early childhood music education into an inclusive and dynamic learning environment.