Social media as an opportunity for pedagogical change in music education

Many higher education institutions have been utilizing learning management systems in their teaching. These systems and the ways they are used, however, usually implement a traditional instructivist approach to teaching. Social networking platforms (SNPs) and online communities are an integral part of most music students' everyday lives. SNPs are used for creating connections, but also for sharing one's music, providing information as well as for learning. They can also introduce a student-centred approach to learning by offering ownership of the environment to its core users, and by creating a need to communicate and contribute to a community of practice.