For my first post I want to talk
about my journey into using more technology in the classroom. I was somewhat of
a computer buff. I knew of certain software that could use in teaching general
music, particularly the music composition software Finale. I used Finale in conjunction with my SMART
board in order to teach students about notation, music staff, and reading music
using Orff instruments. Even though I had some knowledge of technology I knew I
needed to know more and if was going to further my own craft as a teacher in
the 21st century my classroom needed to be more innovative.
Currently I am in graduate school
for a Master’s In Education in Education Technology. I have been given a
surplus of information of education technology in a little over 24 weeks. To be
honest I am still overwhelmed even though I am on my fourth class. Still, I
have found some helpful websites to use in lessons and possible assessment in
the future. Some of the things I have learn I was able to use right away while
others I have to use later (probably next school year). So far I am very
thankful for the experiences and classes that I have learned so far.
I too am in that program for my Master's degree and completely agree with you on being overwhelmed. This is my 6th class and I am so thankful for the information I have learned, but man it is going to take me a long time get/keep it all organized and find ways to implement it all into my classroom. I commend you for wanting to better yourself and for caring about educating your students using the most recent technology. There are so many amazing programs and tools out there. What is the most recent tool or technique you have used in your classroom?
ReplyDeleteAaron, so glad to see another music teacher in the program. I currently teach choir to 7th and 8th graders and am trying to use as much of the new technology in my classes as possible. I actually used QR codes for accessing the internet to few videos of songs we are performing for a class on Wednesday. I was surprised at how many kids DIDN'T know about QR codes but they were all downloading an app to try it out. It was really cool.
ReplyDeleteWendy
I love to see a variety of teachers in the courses I take because few and far between that PE teachers are interested in technology! I love hearing what ideas you guys have so keep them coming. Wendy, love you used QR codes and I'm sure I would have been surprised if most of my kids didn't know what they were. Although, we went through that at my school a while back. We created a QR code for all of our football information so the kids could access the schedule, start times, opponent and location so they would be able to attend most of the games. Some kids probably still don't know how to use it, but we tried to teach all of the classes. After that I know some of the teachers implemented codes into some of their lessons. It's a great tool!
ReplyDeleteHi Paula,
DeleteOur PE department started using the QR codes a couple of months back and I think some kids know how to access the information.
My hope is to use the codes more in the next quarter (I'm also on Spring Break right now) with our Solo and Ensemble Festival. I record the students solos and/or ensembles parts so they have access at home to practice. The ones that did access the codes really liked using them.
Hi Aaron,
ReplyDeleteI'm in my 4th class for the Masters degree as well. Like you, I've learned so much already and am looking forward to applying what I've learned in my class. I don't have a musical background. I've always wanted to learn how to play the piano. I even took a class in college, but it just didn't work for me. I'll just admire those that are musical. I'm looking forward to hearing how you'll integrate technology more in your music classes.
Hey Aaron, what is new this week in your classes? Hows the music world? :)
ReplyDeleteI am currently on Spring Break so I am not doing much of anything!
Hi Aaron,
ReplyDeleteThis is my fifth class and it's keeping me busy. I don't think that learning ever ends. I've learned a lot but haven't had the opportunity to use much of what I learned because of the lack of time. I want to teach our teachers a lot of what I've learned so they can use it with their students. I just wanted to say that I have no musical talents, but I do enjoy listening. Have fun!
Kathy
Kathy, I am in the same boat as you...zero musical talent, but love a variety of music!
ReplyDeleteAaron, have you found yourself as Kathy has, to pressed for time with trying to integrate new technologies and idea you learned?
I can say I can join you on that and have so many thing swimming around in my head of different ways to do things. Time to plan and implement the idea seems to overwhelm me and then it seems before I turn around I'm learning something else new! Never a bad thing, of course to keep learning, but I need to get a new system to keep track of it all so one day when classes slow down or I finish my degree I can go back to review the cool ideas I picked up along the way.
Hey Aaron,
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard from you in awhile. How's everything going in your neck of the woods?