Peer Review

The Museum of Musical Instruments

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Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: Merlot URL: http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=86232 Material URL: http://www.themomi.org/museum/index.html Overview: The Museum of Musical Instruments (MoMI) site includes narrative and contains short musical excerpts of thirteen pieces of music. The site specifically focuses on the guitar and provides written information, graphics and guitar and ensemble excerpts. The site reviews 19th and 20th Century musical artists and the guitar through an exploration of history and culture.
Type of Material:: Reference
Recommended Uses:: Overview of the history and cultural references to the guitar. Listening exercises for thirteen different excerpts of guitar music. Overview of the manufacturers of guitars and various models of the guitar and their history (with images).
Technical Requirements:: Internet browser, PC (or mobile device) audio capability
Identify Major Learning Goals:: “To examine, explore and experience the finest examples of 19th and 20th Century musical instruments” (guitar). Quoted from: http://www.themomi.org/museum/history.html
Target Student Population:: Midle School, High School, College-level Intro to Music or College General Ed
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: None

Rating:
Strengths:: In-depth exploration of the guitar, its history and its cultural contributions, including images.
Concerns:: The site description suggests that it is a Museum of Musical Instruments (MOMI), but almost all references and materials are specific to the guitar. The site is out of date—for example, “Plans for constructing a physical museum are underway, with groundbreaking tentatively scheduled for Spring 2002.” (http://www.themomi.org/museum/history.html). The articles included as references to the site are dated from 1992 to August 2001—no materials dated past August 2001 are referenced (http://www.themomi.org/museum/aalisting.html). However, the copyright at the bottom of the home page includes the dates ©2000-2009.

Rating:
Strengths:: The images included on the site contribute to a better understanding of the material.
Concerns:: Updates to the site are needed in order to keep the information current. Its effectiveness as a learning tool would be strengthened if the materials and references were updated.

Rating:
Strengths:: Navigation of the site was fairly simple.
Concerns:: The time that it took to load the audio file and player (with the thirteen musical excerpts) seemed longer than usual. Also, there were alt tags on the images on the site—although some were not descriptive of the image displayed. It is not clear if the site is easily readable by a screen reader for those with visual impairments.

Other Issues and Comments:: The site developers may want to consider using another color besides black as the background for all of the pages. The contrast between the background and text and images might be a strain on the reader's eyes. The site would benefit from the inclusion of updated information or articles from the field.
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