Reflection

Over the last number of weeks I have been introduced to many new and exciting ideas involving technology in the classroom. I have been challenged to reflect on my own personal beliefs regarding technology in school and have explored how it can affect society in both positive and negative ways.

It amazes me to think how fast technology has advanced over the past few years and continues to move forward. These advancements have forever altered the education system and student learning.

I believe that technology can be used to enhance student learning in many ways when used effectively. It can give students the opportunity for creativity, collaboration, exploration and student-led learning. Technology can be used to assist in the teaching process, or as a means of applying what has already been learnt.

Having said that, there are many aspects of technology that teachers must be aware of and acknowledge in their classroom. Topics such as cyber bullying and online respect need to be discussed and talked about at the very beginning of the year, so students know the rules of the classroom and learn how to use technology in a professional and appropriate manner.

In my personal life I have learnt the value of technology as a means of building professional relationships and connections. This is very important in the world of music and education! Connections are wonderful as they may open the door for guest artists, conductors and composers in the classroom.

Overall I am very excited to use technology in the music classroom!

The Wonderful World of Podcasts!

Madeline Lowe, Sarra Dziver and I just recently completed a project that focused its attention on the benefits of using podcasts in a music classroom. Prior to this project I can honestly say that I didn't know anything about podcasts. I didn't know their purpose, their use or how to make one. Now I am very excited to think of the possibilities of using podcasts in the classroom.

I love the idea of having students go and listen to podcasts about varying artists, genres, composers, musical roles etc. I also think it is a fun idea to have students create their very own podcast. Below is the podcast that Madeline, Sarra and I created. In it we discuss Eric Whitacre's piece "Sleep".

I think podcasts are a great way to share information - and learn more from others! I definitely hope to use both video and radio podcasts in my classroom!

But Do You Care?

Yesterday as I was sifting through the internet I stumbled across an image that stated the "7 Habits of Highly Effective Teachers Who Use Technology". Let me share this image with you...

The seven habits are as follows:

1. They always start with the why.

2. They are malleable and easily adapt. 

3. They embrace change.

4. They share, share, and then share some more.

5. They think win-wink-win-win.

6. They are extremely thorough and think two steps ahead.

7. They actively care.

Although all seven habits are important I was specifically drawn to the last habit "They actively care." As educators it is our goal and joy to impact out students lives in a positive way. We want our lesson plan to stick with them, and maybe influence a decision they make in the future! We desire for our students to succeed and all of this comes down to the fact that we care. 

Using technology in a classroom is not because we want to be "cool" or "with-it" but rather because technology can support our goal of inspiring, motivating and teaching students. If we have tools out there that will help us achieve this goal, why not use them!? 

Let us, as educators, never stop trying to find ways to reach our students, whether it is through old, tried and true methods, or new and exciting paths. 

Collaboration

In today's education there is a large emphasis on group work and developing interpersonal skills. Students are asked to work together to complete tasks and discuss topics. I remember as a student struggling with group projects because it was always so hard to find time to meet with the entire group. Technology has made many advances over the years and now has many online resources that can help with communication and group work.

My favourite online resource for group discussion and work is Googledocs. It is simple to use and a great way of organizing group ideas. Googledocs is basically an online word document that can be accessed and edited by all those invited to it. Anyone with a gmail can create a googledoc and invite their peers to join.

In my future music classroom I will use Googledocs as a place for students to share resources and ideas. Perhaps I would start a Googledocs titled, "Music We Love" and have students attach youtube videos of their favourite artists. Another idea might be to have students write their thoughts/reflections on a piece of music, and then have a discussion later in person about what everyone shared.

Far too often people think that the internet is only used to GATHER information. This is most definitely a mistake, as the internet can be used for much more, such as communication and collaboration!

Fun Videos!

 Below are two videos that would be GREAT to share with a music classroom. Videos are a great way to start discussions. I believe that students should be able to talk about music's importance to them individually and it's role in our society! Videos such as these two, are a great way to get students thinking about these topics. Check them out!

Smart Boards in the Music Classroom

The other week in my ICT class we had the chance to play around with Smart Boards. This was not only fun but sparked a lot of new ideas for classroom application. When people think of band class they very rarely think of the use of technology. I believe that a smart board, if used properly, could be a great tool to have in a band class.

One idea that was mentioned in class was the idea of using the smart board to keep attendance. As students walk into the room they hit the image with their name on it (in the band classroom it could be an instrument or a musical note) and then the image disappears. This is a quick and easy way of keeping track of students without taking class time to do attendance.

Another idea that I thought of while working with the smart board was using them during warm ups. Students could come up to the board and create a rhythm in which the rest of the ensemble would play. They could organize pre-made rhythms to create a little piece of music that students could improvise with.

When working with younger kids the smart board would be a great way for students to learn more about orchestral instruments. I have found one resource called 'Arts Alive' that allows students to pick an instrument on the smart board and hear what it sounds like. I'm sure there are many more applications similar to this.

The options are endless when it comes to using Smart Boards, one must only be creative! Smart Boards can be a fun way to help students learn and keep them engaged!

Across the World

For the last week and a half I was off on a musical adventure in Iceland. I travelled to Reykjavik with the Brandon University New Music Ensemble to take part in the Dark Music Days Festival. My week was filled with early morning rehearsals, exciting performances and captivating concerts. Many of the concerts that I attended were very progressive and abstract - incorporating new technology and ideas
into music.

Harpa: Concert Hall in Iceland

One concert I attended was formatted in a unique manner. There were two pieces performed, and each piece was performed twice. In between the two performances the composers were interviewed. One interview was done through Skype.

This experience was unique for both the composers, performers and audience members. As an audience member I found it to be fascinating to hear the composers thoughts and ideas. Even though he wasn't physically in the room, technology made it possible for audience members to have a new interaction and understanding with the music.

Skyping with the Composer

This sparked some ideas in my mind about how I might use Skype in my music classroom. Part of the Manitoba Music Curriculum is "Understanding Music in Context". Students must be able to "connect music to contexts of time, place and community and develop understanding of how music reflects and influences culture and identity." A brilliant way of doing this is to provide students with the opportunity to communicate with musicians, conductors and composers from around the world. This can be done through Skype, email, face-time or twitter. Communication and discussion is a huge aspect of musical experience and can be done effectively through the above mentioned mediums!