MAC WK 1 Blog 4 - Response to Elyse Audet

Wk 1 Free Choice Post - Technology in the Music Classroom
The following video is the basis for my discussion on technology in the music classroom. The video may be considered a bit "cheesy," but is a good starting point for critical though among peers.

Technology is something that is talked about in many circles. Yes, we do need technology in the classrooms. But so often music teachers think of this as something the other teachers must do. There is so much the music teacher can do!! Podcasts, recording music, social networks, etc. are all wonderful for the music classroom. Technology is something that is overtaking the music world, and it is important that the music teacher also keep up with that.

Music teachers so often concentrate on the performance aspect of music. We come together, tune up the instruments, rehearse, and then perform the music at a concert. There is so many other things that can be incorporated. Programs such as Finale, Smart Music, music games, videos, etc. can be used in the music classroom. These would help in engaging the students, as well as educating the students about how music is created and recorded. Programs such as Smart Music could help motivate the students to practice more, which would help the performance side of the program. MENC (Music Educators Association) has many wonderful tips on incorporating technology into the classroom. The video shows what the classroom could like like now as opposed to many years ago, and the same is true for the music classroom. We could incorporate our rehearsal area with keyboards and computers and recording areas. As music teachers we need to dream big, and find ways to better educate out students about music.
posted by elyse at 3:46 pm

1 comments:
piturachsatit said...
Unfortunately it isn't just the music teachers who often feel like technology is something that only the computer teacher needs to do. There are some computer skills that need to be taught in a class with specific objectives and standards just like any other class. This is only that case for a certain skills. The regular classroom teachers need to be aware of the technology available to them to help them take the lessons they are teaching and bring them to a whole new level for their students. The technology of today has the ability to make the classroom more exciting for students. When students are excited about coming to class more learning happens and there are less behavior problems.

March 6, 2010 5:25 PM