Field+Based+Activities+Reflection+II.D

One of the first things I did when I came to my current school was to administer a survey to assess technology needs. One department stood out as being especially deficient in the area of technology. I found that the music classrooms lacked computers and projectors - basic equipment that all the other classrooms had. When projectors were installed a few years ago, they had passed, saying they didn't need them. This same department rolls around carts with televisions and DVD/VHS players. Apparently nobody told them that they could show movies using a projector - on a much larger screen! At any rate, there was nobody in charge with a technology vision or plan to install the technology and teach them how to use it. Williamson & Redish (2009), put it this way: "The infrequent and unbalanced nature of current technology implementations in America's schools highlights the need for professional learning programs focusing on instructional planning and design."

Over the last few months, I have put computers in each of the music classrooms, but they are largely used for teacher productivity. I see a need for more technology for student use and learning, but needed to discuss the curriculm and some logistics before making any plans. The conference with music staff helped me see what kind of activities they do in the classes, and where the teachers might integrate technology.

My idea is to move the recently updated iMac computers from the Visual Arts department to the music department. The computers are no longer powerful enough for the latest video editing software, but are very usable for most all other applications. Managing resources in this way will provide appropriate technological resources for students in both departments.

References

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). I//STE's technology facilitation and leadership standards: What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do//. Eugene, Or: International Society for Technology in Education.