The Technology Strategies for Music Education chart was very helpful, and a great visual of how technology can be applied to work towards a specific set of standards. This type of information would be very useful to me if I want to add a technology class into my schedule. Bringing this to a principal would demonstrate the variety of knowledge that could be presented.
Webster's article suggests that the music classroom be enhanced using music technology. I agree with that idea, but his first set of ideas seem a bit basic and uninspired. This is probably due to the fact that he is attempting to incorporate it into a large group setting. Most of his ideas, like emailing students, seems unnecessary. I did like the idea of projecting a score for the class to see, if the projector is readily available (in a crowded classroom, it could be more problematic than helpful). Having a class website where the accompaniments, recordings of the ensemble, and other items of interest would be a great way to not only help your students, but promote your department. It would allow parents and administrators view and listen to your ensemble at their leisure.
I agree with Websters suggestions for "Encouraging Creative Thinking in Students", and think they sound like great concepts. My concern is for space, time, and funding. Having students take turns is one solution, but I prefer having them all do the same project simultaneously. That way, they can discuss ideas and help one another. Overall, these ideas would be a great thing for a clever educator to incorporate into the classroom.
The Vermont MIDI Project is a great example of how music technology can be utilized to its fullest potential. Composing music, being able to share that music using the Internet, and then bringing that music to life, is an incredible process for anyone, much less young students. With the collaborations, concerts, and summer workshops, the students are receiving a well rounded education in composition. When I begin teaching, I hope that somehow my students can connect with those in Vermont.
Sibelius discusses uses in the music classroom. I am excited to create worksheets using the program, even for my young private students. Having options of highlighting items, or putting in note names, helps me as an educator attend to students personal difficulties. For example, I can highlight any new notes or rhythms in etudes I write. Overall, I can envision myself using Sibelius quite a bit in the future both in private lessons and teaching classes.
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Christina,
ReplyDeleteLike you said, I think there many ways that technology can be used in the music classroom. I think that Webster’s article does bring out some of those ideas. As you stated I think that many of the ideas were useful; however, I did also find that many of the concepts presented are ideas that I already incorporate into my classroom. However, when you consider some of the concepts, I feel that one can find incredible tools and even expand these ideas into even more useful endeavors. For example, as you noted, creating a website to promote your programs and to present information can be a useful tool. A website is a great device for presenting information to students, parents and administrators. One can put a great deal of information on a website. The difficulty that I have discovered up to this point is getting a majority of people to utilize a website. In addition, I have also found the worksheet and exercise features of Sibelius to be very helpful in creating materials for students. I have used these features for tasks such as creating note reading and rhythm reading activities as well as for creating warm-up exercises. I also found the Vermont MIDI Project to be an extremely beneficial endeavor for the students involved. Anytime a project of the scale of the Vermont MIDI Project can be created, it provides opportunities for students and educators to flourish. The opportunities for people to interact and learn valuable skills, such as composing, are spectacular. I also think that it would be wonderful to get in involved in such a project.
The important thing with these readings is that they get your creative juices flowing on how you'd like to implement music technology resources in your teaching. This certainly seems to be happening, which is great to read about. I'll suggest that you make mental notes of the ideas that seem particularly intriguing so that you have an arsenal of ideas when you enter a classroom.
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