Why Technology? Part 2

I had forgotten that MENC: The National Association for Music Education published standards for technology in Music Education called "Opportunity to Learn Standards for Music Technology."  After my previous post, I ran across these again at http://www.menc.org/resources/view/opportunity-to-learn-standards-for-music-technology

For K-5 classrooms, here are the following recommendations:

Curriculum and Scheduling

1. Use of technology is a regular and integral part of instruction.
2. Teachers employ instructional strategies that appropriately utilize the unique capabilities of technology.
3. Learning experiences in the curriculum include the use of computer-assisted instruction, MIDI sequencing, music notation software, Internet music resources, and electronic musical instruments to help students acquire the knowledge and skills listed in the National Standards for Music Education.
4. Software and hardware selections are made based on the learning goals established for the students.
5. Music classes have the same degree of access to school technology resources, including technology labs, as other classes in the school.
6. Learning profiles (e.g., attendance records and progress reports) for individual students are maintained using databases and other record-keeping technologies.
7. Children with special needs have the same access to technology-based music instruction as other children in the school. Appropriate adaptive devices are available as needed.
    

Staffing

Minimal:

1. A planned program of ongoing staff development to provide teachers with training in applying technology in the curriculum is in place. Training is available on a variety of levels to match the varying backgrounds and proficiencies of teachers.
2. To remain up-to-date in the field, all music educators receive at least one staff development day per year for technology training. Training is conducted by those with an awareness of the needs of music educators.
3. Teachers have easy access to e-mail and Web services for professional and curriculum development, research, and other communication needs.
4. Teachers are provided with ample time to consult with other colleagues about the use of technology.
5. Technical support and mentoring by those who are knowledgeable about the hardware and software used by music educators is available to music teachers.
6. Teachers are provided with the necessary development time for creating new curriculum materials that make effective use of music technology.
    

Equipment 

Minimal:

1. Every music classroom should contain one multimedia-ready computer that is Internet capable and includes: audio in/out capability, General MIDI sound generation, powered speakers, CD- or DVD-ROM player, and a MIDI keyboard connected to the computer. When a teacher must move between classrooms and schools, a similarly equipped laptop computer is preferred for that teacher.
2. The school computer lab is equipped with dual headphones and MIDI keyboard controllers for use by the students.
3. Students have access to eight digital keyboards (possibly portable units) with standard-size, touch-responsive piano keys.
4. A large-screen video display for class presentation.

Materials/Software

Minimal:

1. The software library contains at least six titles of instructional software that reinforces listening, analyzing, reading, and describing music. A plan to purchase three new titles each year is in place, and existing software is upgraded on a regular basis.
2. At least six titles of multimedia software that enables children to create, improvise, compose, and perform music are also available. A plan to purchase three new titles each year is in place, and existing software is upgraded on a regular basis.
3. There is Internet software for supervised access to Web resources.

Facilities

Minimal:

1. Suitable space is available in the dedicated music classroom for one computer with appropriate power and Internet connections.
2. Students have access to a school computer lab.

I am fortunate because I have access to technology hardware and software in my classroom that many other districts only dream of having.  Many music teachers don't have technology beyond the CD player, computer and the old fashioned overhead projector!

Why have technology in the elementary music classroom?

We are teaching a "techie" generation!  It is possible to integrate technology into current methodologies such as Orff and Kodaly to enhance learning and enable students to demonstrate their learning through hands-on projects.

How have you used technology in your classroom?

Keep reading for more lessons using the techie tools that are breaking into education!