Exploring challenges and practices of digital technology integration in music education: Preliminary findings from a pilot qualitative study in west coast Sabah

Abstract

The integration of digital technology in education has increasingly influenced teaching and learning practices, including in the field of music education. However, the implementation of digital technology in music teaching continues to face various challenges, particularly within the context of secondary schools in Sabah. This exploratory pilot qualitative study aimed to obtain preliminary insights into the practices and challenges experienced by music teachers in integrating digital technology into music teaching and learning in West Coast Sabah. Data were collected through a semi-structured interview involving a secondary school music teacher and analysed using thematic analysis. Preliminary findings suggest that the use of digital technologies such as Canva, Wayground, music notation software, and multimedia applications may enhance student engagement, support understanding of musical concepts, and contribute to more interactive learning experiences. Initial findings also indicate that students appeared to demonstrate increased interest and motivation when digital elements were incorporated into classroom activities. Nevertheless, several challenges were identified, including limited internet accessibility, inadequate technological infrastructure, time constraints, and insufficient specialised training related to digital music technology. Despite these constraints, the participant demonstrated initiative in independently exploring digital applications to support teaching practices. As a preliminary investigation, the findings provide early insights into current digital pedagogical practices and highlight the importance of institutional support, continuous professional development, and improved digital infrastructure in strengthening digital technology integration within music education. Further studies involving a broader range of participants are recommended to obtain more comprehensive perspectives.