OneNote Review

Organization is imperative in the day to day operations of teachers. If you wear as many hats as I do, having a system in place in one of the most important strategies to use. OneNote is a free- form program that could consolidation many of your task into one place. I was amazed at all of the capabilities that provides. At first glance, OneNote is designed much like an actually notebook. At the top of the page are tabs that you may add or delete to organize all of your notes or administrative tasks.  As the program gathers and organizes your information, you can add handwritten notes, drawings, screenshots and clipping, video and audio clips, as well as allow you to collaborate with other users.

OneNote is versatile. It mostly runs on CPUs and laptops but can be accessible on tablets. It can work as program on its own but it can also work in conjunctions with Microsoft Word and Excel, allowing you to share data between the programs. It allows you to create lesson plans or organize fundraising finances with the click of a button. OneNote also saves automatically, so there is no need to worry about losing information (what a relief!!).

The most fascinating feature of OneNote in my opinion is the ability to create interactive lessons. You can organize your lesson plans, assignment, worksheets, test, and class note in a single file. This program even allows you to email assignments to parent if the child is absent. You can create notebooks specifically for classes and grade assignments without printing and collecting worksheets or notebook paper assignments.

 OneNote allows you to meet all of your students learning needs with all of the features that can be utilized in your lessons. It is the one stop shop to several of your organizational needs.

Week 7 - Productivity and Professional Development

This week's reading/lecture focuses on utilizing technology to complete organizational and administrative task and how technology can aid in providing professional development to educators around the globe. There are several points mentioned in the text that made me stop, think, assess, and/or reevaluate some things. As I ponder on the school year that has just begun, the areas that I will address and reflect on are organization, personal learning networks (PLNs), and distance learning. I am choosing to address these topics because they hold a significant value within my educational realms. As I bring this technology class to a close, I've discovered several things about myself. You think you know all there is to know about yourself until a little pressure is added, and your back is against the wall.

If I could turn back the hands of time and restart my teaching career to implement some of the technology described by Bauer (2014) [pg.169] in the productivity section of the text, I would. As I think about overseeing marching band alone, there are a few things mentioned here that can benefit me now and in the future. The use of digital calendars and "to do list' are ideas I have just begun to dabble with. This change came about after I upgraded to an iPhone and purchased an iPad. Dates and times that I schedule, notes I create that are used as reminders, and music and other things that I may need on a daily basis can be sync across all of my Apple Devices. As long as I have access to the Internet, my iCloud storage space, my work is always just a click away should I need it.
Dropbox is another feature that I have been using inside and outside my classroom. I love this digital storage space because it eliminates the excuse of students forgetting materials I've handed out and losing/forgetting their flash drives. Files can be shared easily between multiple people and are available from any device connected to the Internet.

Distance Learning is definitely a new concept for me. I would have to say if was one of the most eye-opening, overwhelming experiences of my life. I decided after some soul-searching and research that online classes were more feasible as, I balanced a career as well as maintain my personal affairs. I knew for some time that I would continue my education, but I simply was not ready. And I am still not totally confident in supplying what is demanded of me. Despite all of my ill-temperament, my saving grace was and currently is the PLNs. My personal learning network for this particular helped to grow as an educator. We shared information pertinent to our areas of interest and expertise, offered advice, engaged in dialogue, shared strategies, give others a brand-new outlook on some of the challenges they have faced, and offered solutions. Because of technology usages such as blogging, discussion boards, and social media, I am able to blossom. My spirit has been rejuvenated. I am encouraged to use technology in the classrooms to improve student learning. In the future, I plan to consciously seek ways technology can assist my students and further meaningful student learning in music, and consider how technology can facilitate students creating, performing, and responding to music (pg. 185).

Bauer, W. I. (2014). Pedagogical Approaches to Composition. In Music learning today: Digital pedagogy for creating, performing, and responding to music. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Week 6: Students Responding to Music

The focus of this week's reading/viewing assignment covers how students respond to music. Chapter 5 is filled with several gems of knowledge that can be useful in improving how our students listen to and respond to music. One of the gems that resonated with me the most is realizing that students respond to school music in a variety of ways. The chapter opens with Elizabeth's experiences as a general education teacher. I instantly made several connections with the scenario as I reflected upon my teaching experiences. Considering I was hired to teach chorus and band, my first year, I was thrown a curveball. I was assigned to teach two courses of general music or music appreciation to high school students. Band was my primary focus. Enrollment and morale were down due to the leadership change. Therefore, I used those two classes to teaching students how to read music and was hopeful that I would get them to learn how to play an instrument. My play was to recruit as many students as I could to join the band. However, I quickly realized that was a mistake. The students were not enthusiastic about coming to class, often showed out, and lacked participation in the lesson, and eventually expressed their distaste for the course. I was devastated. I thought if students enrolled in a music class their interest lied in the performance of music through band or chorus.

After an entire nine weeks of failed attempt after attempt, I came to the realization that I was not successful. My plan to recruit was not working and I desperately needed to find another alternative to ensure all students were engaged. This raised an important question. What can do to turn this situation around?  After a few surveys and several discussions on the classes' music habits, I found some important things that inspired me to try one more option. I learned all the students enjoyed creating music, singing and rapping. However, they cared not to indulge in any of structured programs such as the band.  I downloaded Mixcraft, allowed them to form cooperative learning groups, set a few constraints, and let the creativity to take over. I was amused at how quickly the participation increased, and morale soared. After the project was completed, I asked each student to write a reaction to his or her group collaboration. I disappointed with the responses I received. I read journal entries with sentences as followed: "The song was good." "The song needs some bass in it."

I realized I did not teach those students how to actively listen to music. Woody (2004) [as cited by Bauer, 2014]  said that the most an important aspect of music education is "to develop student's ability to respond emotionally to the expressive properties of sound." I did not deliver. I took for granted the process of having to teach students how to critically respond to music. In the near future, I plan to give this project a facelift by adding a few things:

1. Discuss the elements of music and help students to develop a musical vocabulary. 
2. Instead of using Mixcraft, allow students to exploring different DAWs to create an original composition.
3. After the project is completed, all students will be asked to write a reaction to their assignment. The students will be asked to explore the emotional and technical realms of the composition.
4. Each group will present their composition to the class. All students will verbally describe how the music makes them feel. Students should use musical terminology. 
5. Use a rubric to evaluate student work.
6. All student work will be collected, added to your Spotify email, burned onto a CD,  or placed on YouTube.

In the grand scheme of it all, Effective response to music is an area of interest that is truly a weakness for me. I do not get the well-thought out responses to music inquiries. Simply because I do not set my students up to succeed. However, this conundrum is now a distant memory. With some slight adjustments to the instruction and the incorporation of music technology "to refine [their] music listening skills, deepen the understanding of musical concepts, and strengthen the awareness of the role of music in cultural and society" (Bauer, 2014) will encourage them to build upon their skills to describe music, listen to music, and gain knowledge about music.

Bauer, W. I. (2014). Pedagogical Approaches to Composition. In Music learning today: Digital pedagogy for creating, performing, and responding to music. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Week 5 - Differentiating Instruction and Creative planning

In comparison to the weeks prior, I expected to be engulfed in some sort of music web-based program or software this week. Yet, through the assigned video lecture and reading, we explored several areas of instructional design. This particular topic could not come at a better time as we prepare to return to our perspective classrooms. Everyday, it is our civic duty to make sure all students are engaged in our lessons, learn concepts, and can demonstrate mastery of the curriculum. Coincidentally, I designated this week to sit down and take the time to revised my syllabus. Through the matriculation of this assignments, revision is necessary. 

After listening to the lecture, I realized I needed to make some changes in regard to my teaching. Year after year, I teach the same subjects, the same way, with no deviation. Not truly realizing, these generations of students are forever changing. I did not offer much differentiation in instruction other than teaching to my auditory, visual and tactile learners. Frankly, differentiation of instructions scares me. The developmental level of the students I receive is so vast; I'm never should where to start.After some careful reflection, I noticed that each year I start from the very beginning. I teach to the lower level students and leave those who are slightly advanced to fend for themselves. It seemed as if I were planning differentiation instruction, I was planning individual lesson plans for all of my students. Therefore, I strayed away from it. I taught everyone at the same pace, keeping students from progressing, exploring, and tapping into their true potential as great musicians. I became the hindrance. This conundrum raised the question? What can I do differently to ensure this never happens again?

In future practice, I foresee the use of creative planning and integrate technology in the most effective capacity. The video lecture outlined several ways to creatively plan a lesson. There were two points that resonated with me the most. First, get out the box. Teaching verbatim from the textbook is a common approach, but it is definitely not the right approach. There are several online tools that students may use to individualized the instruction and offer differentiation instruction. Secondly, move beyond the traditional approach and experience alternative methods. My previous statement supports this statement as well. This information is relevant because there a change to be made, and that change must start with me. I have to move beyond my fears, and experience and utilize the alternative methods available to me. Musicianship is more than manipulating instruments and singing. It is about time I give my students the education they truly deserve. I can no longer fear differentiating instruction, but embrace it. Taking the integral approach of technology is the gateway to success with all students and alleviates the overwhelming pressures from me. I'm excited to see what the outcome will be. 

Bauer, W. I. (2014). Pedagogical Approaches to Composition. In Music learning today: Digital pedagogy for creating, performing, and responding to music. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Chromatik verses SmartMusic

Chromatik and SmartMusic seem to be fantastic and fun tools to use inside and outside of the classroom. They can be used to enhanced the way students practice and improve upon their skills. However, I have several unanswered questions after my review.

Chromatik is a free web-based platform that allows students to learn, practice, and perform music. It is also a cross platform that allows it to be easily accessible from anywhere. Chromatik has an app available for download through Google Play, the Apple App Store as well in Amazon Apps. This particular feature allows you to have access to your account through a smart phone or tablet.  This resource would be an asset in the classroom; you can access sheet music and videos for different genres with just the click of a button. The music catalog is updated regularly.  There are over 20 different instruments to choose from (see the screenshot below). Overall, the website and application are very easy to use. Once you select a song and choose an instrument. However, learning how to play the sheet music you choose is the only benefit of Chromatik. After some review of the program, I noticed that you don’t get any immediate feedback to improve upon your musicianship. You may record your performance and send it to your teacher where he or she can grade it.  This would be a great to challenge those students who are advanced, but assist others in building tone quality, balance and blend, and success in reading those tough rhythmic patterns. 

On the other hand, I have a very limited scope of SmartMusic. Unlike Chromatik, SmartMusic (software) is not free making it a little difficult to implement within the classroom. I am not really aware of the ease of use and navigation considering, I do not have a subscription. The features it does offer would be the best fit for my classrooms. SmartMusic can enhance your music programs and improve individual student skill. With a subscription, you can assign students material from a method book or piece you may be performing for a concert festival. Using these assignments, the student’s practice times are more focused, and you can track their progress. What I really like about this program is the instantaneous feedback. As you are practice, it allows you to hear your performance and see incorrect and correct pitches and rhythms. The students would have their own personal tutor at home and in the practice rooms.

There is one other feature that I love about SmartMusic is MakeMusic University. All educators need re-certification hours to renew their teaching certificate. MakeMusic provides classes and professional developments specifically for our area that you can use towards those hours. And the great part about it all of this is that it is not very expensive.  I was not aware. This program is the total package, and a must-have for my program. 

Week 4 - Supporting Music Practice and Performance through Technology Use

This week’s video and reading gave examples of how support music practice and performance by using technology. The biggest challenge I face is the implementation of technology into the instructional setting. I faithfully use what is provided by the school district (i.e. laptop, projector, interactive whiteboard); however, I feel it is not enough to engage all students in the learning process. The use of instructional software would support making connections with the content. Instructional software is classified into four categories. The question I pose is as followed: How can each of the four types of Instruction software fulfill the challenge of integrating technology?

Tutorials are a great way to present new concepts in the introductory section of a lesson. Many would ask, why? The answer is clear, there is no prerequisite knowledge required. Since most tutorial follows the sequential, step by step approach, this type of instructional software would benefit classes such as the beginners’ band. YouTube offers tutorials on instrument assembly/disassembly, directions and modeling for proper posture and embouchure, general maintenance, and simple troubleshooting skills to solve minor problems. Tutorial could also contribute to teaching music theory concepts. http://www.musictheory.net is an excellent interactive website to help make connections for our digital natives.

Practice usually required students to have some knowledge base. Through the use of this method, students are confronted with a problem, given time to explore all possible solutions, submit their findings, and await feedback. SmartMusic and iPAS are programs that allow students to experience the above outlined process. These programs emphasis specific goals for each student, provide instantaneous feedback, but most importantly it permits the teacher to keep a record of the student’s progress to chart improvement.

Promoting creativity when using instructional software requires little to no previous knowledge. All knowledge and training are student-centered. They learn various concepts and skills through exploration and experimenting. Soundation is a good resource for students to tap into their creativity and produce musical material by manipulating loops, MIDI instruments, and digital audio clips.

Games can be used to reinforce information and/or teach a new skill of concept. This type of software can be used as a motivational tool to encourage others to learn and set competitive goals. One website that I have used in the past as an informal assessment is http://www.musictechteacher.com. This particular site is designed to be used a teaching aid.  It also has a plethora of games and quizzes to enhance student learning by reinforcing a concept previous taught by the teacher.

All in All, the implementation of instructional software into the classroom will help to create my TPACK curriculum as described in my very first reflection in this course. Not only will it boast my observational scores, but it will gradually shift my classes into a more student-centered environment. Through the use of technology, students can develop their skill and knowledge in creating, performing, and listening to, and understanding music (Bauer, 2014). The technological approach is the key in giving our students the best musical education we can offer, and creating a well-developed TPACK curriculum.

Bauer, W. I. (2014). Music learning today: Digital pedagogy for creating, performing, and responding to music. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Soundation Review

https://soundation.com/user/londab46/track/current-vibe

Soundation Review

                I had quite the experience working with Soundation. Coming into this assignment I was not sure what lied ahead.  My composition reflected my mood at the time of creation. My day had been completely hectic. Everything that could go wrong, did. The only thing I wanted to do was go into quiet corner and just relax. I call it, “Current Vibe”. It portrays some of my musical taste and preferences to bring in the calm after the storm as well as elements the majority of my students like.

                As I completed the assignment, I considered my school’s community and climate. Hopefully this software will be implemented in the unit on composition. My intentions are to share my completed project with my students. I chose various loops to represent the elements in songs I know the majority will identify with. If I can spark the students’ interest with my example, it will allow me to use the creative model process I revised to fit my situation. This will, hopefully, boost morale and motivation to ensure that all students are successful.

                There are two goals that remained in mind while completing this assignment. Goal one: to be able to maneuver through the software and to create a solid example to use as a model.  I wanted to use this opportunity to gain experience and become familiar with the product. When it is time to implement the program into my curriculum, my teaching and model will be effective. Goal two: to create a composition that my students will find aesthetically appealing. If the students can relate and appreciate the composition I created, it may motivate them to try and produce quality music. By using this program, I realize we will also meet two additional goals: 1) a chance to explore the composing and improvisation standard and 2) show evidence that everyone possesses a sense of creativity.

                Soundation helped me experience other realms of creating music. Since the 7^th grade, I only experienced the world of performing music with instruments and vocally. Using Soundation was the first time I have gotten the chance to step into the shoes of music producing. This assignment was overwhelming but it allowed me to explore and put together elements of music that were imperative to music and its creation, my creation.

                There were a few challenges that occurred while working with the software. When adding instrumental tracks, i.e. the drum machine, it seemed as if the software hesitated to play what was created. Much like a compact disc that has been scratched and put in a compact disc player to be played. One other complication that I recall was none of the MIDI files would play, even if you dragged the loop into the audio track. This put limitations on my composition and what it could have been had I been able to hear those MIDI loops. It was difficult and frustrating not being able to utilize everything entitled to you in the free version.

                Soundation specifically offers total control over a person’s own destiny. It allows the student opportunity to explore different elements of music and make connections by using the software.  I have had several students that created songs outside of the school. Many of them don’t have much success because of lack of access of equipment. Access to this software offers students a continuous opportunity to tap into their own creativity and produce original music within specific guidelines inside the school day.

                In my music appreciation class, a possible unit to consider is revamping the unit on the elements of music. As we go through those elements, the students will be able to apply each of those elements to an original composition as they are covered. The students will not only learn and study each element, but, apply them to ensure mastery. What I really love about Soundation is the fact that it is web-based. Everything can be stored online by signing up for a username and password. Learning can be continuous without having any setbacks, for example, “I left my flash drive at home.” I feel the students will love to use Soundation. It is a much more feasible to experience composing in this manner. It gives them free range to create an original piece with countless outcomes.