Dear Economics Educators,
This website showcases a series of animated Flash files that were created for use in teaching introductory economics. The Flash files are an eclectic mix of music from the last forty years. Each Flash animation includes synchronized lyrics to the song and an economic interpretation of the lyrics. Some of the animations also include pop-ups and visual tricks to enhance the experience. Check out a small example from Weird Al's "Ebay" here.
The online database is the culmination of all of the songs we have converted into educational tools thus far.
Our approach builds on the work of Becker and Watts who criticized economics for its reliance on “chalk and talk.” Animated musical Flash files represent a step forward and they should be thought of as a new item in the economic educator’s toolbox. Our hope is that readers will be stimulated to try the approach in their own classes.
If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact us, this project is an ongoing endeavor.
Best,
