The way I see it, there are three ways educators view technology. Some try to ignore it and go about the same techniques they always have, some implement it and keep up with it at a reasonable pace, and others try to change their teaching routines as fast as the technology grows. Personally, I agree with the middle ground - staying informed and up-to-date without ignoring these helpful technologies altogether or watering down a curriculum by changing every day. Balancing the use of technology is important in keeping teachers and students "modernized"without being overwhelmed.
First, although it's not new technology, let's examine how email and simple web creation has changed education. Though email is not the most personalized or effective type of communication, it is fast and easy! As a teacher in a boarding school, I will occasionally send a quick update about recent achievements. "Johnny was great in Jazz Band today! He learned his part before class and was able to help the younger students where they were having trouble." Something like that would take me 60-90 seconds to write and send, but the effect on the parent would last days, weeks, a lifetime! Every parent wants to hear about successes of their child, big or small. Without email, I and many other teachers would be much less likely to communicate those details to parents. Phone calls often require appropriate timing and schedule matching, parent teacher meetings are limited, and a letter may be too formal for this kind of update. Of course, those types of communication are also important and should always have a place in education.
Most school classes have websites - Many post assignments, resources, and some programs even allow parents and students to log in to track their progress and see cumulative grades. This technology is extremely helpful in keeping parents involved and making sure the teacher, student, and parent are on the same page. My school uses a web-based technology called Whipple Hill. Though it may sound like an ice cream company, it is simply a great resource for education.
Of course, with these technologies comes a downside - Many teachers (though I have yet to experience this personally) may feel overwhelmed with those parents who constantly seek updates via email or students who rely exclusively on your website updates for remembering assignments and so on.
As a music teacher, I enjoy implementing iPad and other technology into my teaching. I am constantly learning about new resources, though I make sure not to worry about using every new tool I read about. Rather than writing about them, I made a screen cast (an amazing and ridiculously user-friendly technology you should all consider implementing) that walks you through some web-based technologies I use on a daily basis. Please view it and share your comments - Web-Based Music Tech Resources
I feel strongly that technology will continue to play an important role in music education, and musicianship in general. Finding music, practicing, composing, and recording have never been easier. In fact, I just listened to Dave Grohl's Keynote Speech from SXSW where he speaks about his efforts multi-tracking in his bedroom in the 1970's and how practicing, recording, composing, starting a record label, and self-producing is now easier than ever.
In addition to helping our young music students create and explore, I believe that the implementation of music technology will increase the overall number of students who participate in music (particularly in secondary schools). Although I don't feel accomplished enough to teach a strictly "music-technology" course, I hope to get there and I am excited to see what effect that will have on the number of students participating in classroom music.
Links and shout-outs:
I consider myself lucky to work with an amazing librarian and technology specialist K-M Librarian who keeps the faculty and students informed about new resources via her libguides site.
Technology in Music Education - Great Blog from Dr. Christopher Russell. Helped me to discover a new music writing app and loads of choral warm-ups (all in about 4 minutes)
Sites I cover in my Screenr Screen Cast:
Good thoughts. How is technology changing the power structure in the classroom? Can anyone be a Dave Grohl?
ReplyDeleteGood point about technology being a valuable recruitment tool. Very true.
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