Reflecting on the article "A Conceptual Framework for Technology-Assisted Music Learning" by Dr. William I. Bauer.
Blog #1: Course Reading for 8/31/2009
“A Conceptual Framework for Technology-Assisted Music Learning” by Dr. William I. Bauer
I enjoyed reading about the TPACK model. I think that technology can enhance classroom activities in great ways. It concerns me that I am a “digital immigrant,” as the article calls it. I’ve always felt like an outsider when it comes to technology and at least five or six steps behind the game. I think change makes me nervous and technology is always changing. I know that the use of digital music players provide an entire library of music for students and has made our art very accessible. Students no longer need to wait to hear a live concert in order to have a quality music experience. Most notably, technology has increased the rate and efficiency at which we can communicate. To ignore new technological innovations would literally leave the practicing educator out of the loop.
I am glad to know that many schools are pushing to educate both students and practitioners about technology. For two summers now I have substitute taught in an elementary school near my home. This elementary school is the poorest in our district; however, even they have made great strides in using technology. Beginning in kindergarten students take two computer classes a week. Kindergarten seems extremely young to be using these machines but the students are taught how to at least turn them on and play simple games on them. Their curriculum progresses from there and I am confident that these young people will have a much better attitude about using computers than I did by the time I finished middle school. Students at this elementary school are encouraged to type their documents as well although it is rarely required. Every teacher and assistant teacher was trained to use Smart Boards and one of these was put into almost every single classroom. The Smart Boards made many lessons come alive for students and motivated them to focus. I think they could be very effective in the music classroom so I hope to someday learn more about them.
The article made it clear that the use of technology in the classroom cannot be random. The teacher needs a clear understanding of what “affordances” each technology possesses. This means that teachers still need to be creative in their lesson planning – the computers will not do the teaching for us. This is reassuring but I know I still tend to avoid technology all together. I’m excited to take this class so that I feel like more of an insider, like one of the “natives.” This will probably motivate me to pursue workshops on new computer programs at professional development conferences. This article explains that the use of technology can engage students in music even if they don’t have formal training and I think this is so important. I think that students of all musical abilities should be able to appreciate a musical experience. I would never want to deprive my students of resources that would allow them to have that. I’m glad that I will be having the opportunity to work out my TPACK this semester!
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The best way to overcome your nervousness with technology is to keep using it so that you become more comfortable. Instructionally, find a small way to include technology in a lesson, in a way that serves the curricular content you are teaching, of course. Begin with "baby steps," and as your confidence grows, expand from there.
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