The information on this website adds to the Background Information for Educators which can be found in-app.
Audio in the app
Please turn up the volume. The Games are audio based and self-voicing, regardless of what setting you select.
For screen reader users the app opens with instructions to turn off the screen reader while playing with the app, and to turn on self-voicing menus.
When you turn ON self-voicing menus, menu items and menu texts will be spoken.
Use the flick right and left gesture to flick through the menu items and open your selection with a double tap.
If self-voicing is OFF, tap on the menu buttons to activate.
Wearing headphones is optional but will enhance the quality of the sounds.
By default, the Games are to be played through sound only. However, in the Settings you can turn on visuals. This may support multisensory learning. Additional tactile learning support can enhance the learning experience.
Purpose of the app
Analysing data through sonification requires attentive listening, a skill that is of benefit to all.
With this app you can ensure that your students develop skills early for future use of sonification in the fields of science and maths, art and music, and as alternative format for access to information.
How to use the app
The app is designed for use on tablets. It can also be used on smart phone, but the smaller screen size will make tracing of shapes more difficult. The Games can be played in random order. Sonokids recommends starting with (the Briefing of) Game 1 to learn the Sonification algorithm.
Each Game has its own qualities and specifics, will be suitable for varying abilities and appeal to different students. The variety in sonification concepts to explore in this app is unique. Sonokids has decided to not set a recommended age for use of this app at this point. Please complete the short User Survey and help us to provide more detailed information in the future regarding the experienced level of difficulty of each Game.
The Introduction 'sets the scene' in an audio version, instead of an image. It gives the student an understanding of what the game is about and makes it more fun to play. Mission Briefings explain the piurpose of the game. The 'Spaceflight' at the start of the app takes the student to the alien environment of Sonoplanet (skip with 'flick right').
Check out the Settings for each Game as they enable you to make personal adjustments.
You can always go back to the Main Menu from inside a game by double tapping the button in the bottom right corner of the active screen. 'Flick right' generally skips the intro speech.
This app develops students'
- Early learning of sonification concepts and basic skills, or ‘emergent sonification literacy’
- Agency and Independent Learning skills
- Learning to access
- Attentive listening skills
- Analytical thinking
- Vocabulary around sound and sound perception
- Understanding of Spatial and Directional Terminology
- Memory skills
- Mental Mapping skills
- Maths skills
- Creativity
- Collaboration skills
- Musical skills
- Spatial orientation skills
- Fine motor skills
- Skills to Navigate in a grid
- Interest in (Space) Science