Blending Music and Coding: This Teacher Is Changing How We Learn

Vineeta Garg is no stranger to the education world, having received prestigious accolades such as the National Teacher Award in 2019 for her innovative teaching methods. With a passion for integrating music into her curriculum, she redefines how senior students engage with coding education.

Vineeta Garg, a computer science teacher with 30 years of experience, has redefined her classroom with a creative and engaging approach to education. Despite her decades of teaching experience, her enthusiasm and energy remain that of a teenager, always eager to innovate and inspire her students. Garg firmly believes that integrating art into education, especially through music, can transform the traditional learning experience, making it more enjoyable and accessible. “I am passionate about transforming education through creativity. Integrating art into education is crucial for fostering a holistic and engaging learning experience,” she explains. This passion has led her on a unique journey of blending music with coding education, a move that has garnered acclaim from around the world.

Music as a Pedagogical Tool

Traditionally, music is often confined to early education, but Garg challenged this norm by introducing it to senior classes. “As students progress through the educational system, the use of music and other creative pedagogies tend to diminish, leading to monotonous learning environments. Teaching becomes very monotonous. Every time, lecture methods, or writing in copy or paper, does not work, even for senior students. So, I thought it was time to change these pedagogical styles and incorporate more art-integrated learning into the curriculum,” she explains.

Garg encouraged her students to create songs and raps to learn and revise coding concepts. This unique method not only helped students grasp difficult programming languages but also made learning fun and engaging.

Coding is a very monotonous, machinery subject. When we use music in coding, it makes the subject much lighter and more inviting.

Breaking Stereotypes and Building Engagement

Garg’s initiative goes beyond making coding more fun; it also challenges gender stereotypes. Traditionally seen as a male-dominated field, coding and engineering have often been intimidating for girls. Through her music-integrated pedagogy, Garg is breaking down these barriers. “We have to break that stereotype too. If we keep the subject interesting in this way, I think we can have more students, especially girls, interested in learning coding,” she states.

Her approach makes coding accessible and inviting to all students, helping them overcome the initial fear and monotony that often accompanies computer learning. As she puts it, “Coding is a very monotonous, machinery subject. When we use music in coding, it makes the subject much lighter and more inviting.”

Integrating AI into the Classroom

Garg recognises the importance of preparing her students for the rapidly evolving technological landscape. She emphasises that coding and AI are no longer optional skills but essential tools for the future. “AI is here to stay, and we should not only be mere users. I want my students to also be creators,” she explains. In her classroom, students are encouraged to use AI responsibly to assist in their learning. While they can explore AI and internet resources, Garg stresses originality in their work. “They need to write songs themselves using all the keywords from the chapter. This way, they not only grasp the concepts but also stay engaged and interested in the subject.”

Watch Vineeta Garg’s Songs on Coding/Programming

Song on MySql: https://youtu.be/HyUi-3db3OA

MySQL Rap Song: https://youtu.be/UWowHOhCUZ8

Song on Python programming Language: https://youtu.be/AIqOTKTSIRY

Student-Centered Learning and Real-World Impact

Garg emphasises the importance of student engagement in her classes. She firmly believes that learning should not be forced; instead, it should happen naturally when students are actively involved in the process. “When there is engagement, learning is happening on its own. Then you don’t have to force it,” she says. By encouraging students to become creators, not just passive learners, she fosters a more dynamic and impactful educational environment.

This philosophy has already borne fruit. One of her proudest moments came when her students developed an app designed to help children with dyslexia (more about that in another article).

Music as a Medium for Advocacy and Awareness

Beyond coding, Garg uses music as a tool to raise awareness about critical global issues. She has written and produced rap songs on topics such as cybersecurity, road safety, and girls in STEM, often in collaboration with her students. These musical videos serve as educational resources and advocacy tools, empowering students to think beyond the classroom and become informed, socially conscious individuals.

Songs on Social Issues

Cyber Awareness: https://youtu.be/VsgPziRB5hs

Road Safety Awareness: https://youtu.be/dT7L3YZ2B9A

Beating Exam Stress: https://youtu.be/s219vwadJSo

“I believe that by combining music, art, and education, we can create a more engaging, inclusive, and inspiring learning environment for the next generation,” says Garg, underscoring her vision of a future where education is not just about rote learning but about creative expression and holistic development.

Conclusion

Garg’s innovative teaching methods have proven highly successful, transforming her classroom into a space where students are excited to learn. As the world of education evolves, Garg’s vision of integrating creativity into the curriculum will undoubtedly inspire many others to follow suit.

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