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 Once teachers are familiar and competent with technology tools, it would be expected that they implement its use in the classroom. However, Williamson and Redish (2009) cite a study by CDW-G that revealed that while 85% of teachers used technology for administrative tasks, such as email, attendance and grades, less that 50% had ever used technology to support instruction. This seemed to be especially true of elementary music teachers. For this activity, I returned to my previous school district to collaborate with music teachers to discuss music technology in the elementary classroom. Since cost was frequently cited as deterrent to using technology, we concentrated on free or low cost ways to incorporate technology and power up the music classroom.

I recall one of the Lamar professors stating that the curriculum must drive the technology, not the other way around. A Washington Post article cautions against using technology for the sake of technology – not what works or help kids learn (Welsh, 2008). Helping teachers plan and design student centered learning experiences is the key to avoiding that technology pitfall.

Some of the technology we discussed was teacher-directed, in keeping with the student-centered approach, much could be put in the hands of a child to create new musical learning experiences. Activiites like using a piano keyboard for simple accompaniments can involve the student. They can choose the musical style and try it out. Music notation software can be used by students to write simple composition within paramenters set by the teacher. And smart phones can be used by students to record themselves playing a part on their recorder.

These are the ideas we discussed to be compiled for teacher reference.

References:

Welsh, P. (2008, February 10). A school that’s too high on gizmos. The Washington Post. Retrieved from[]

Williamson, J. & Redish, T. (2009). ISTE'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.