This class introduced me to many new ideas and concepts related to music
education and technology. One of my main objectives for taking this class was to
become aware of some of the many technology tools that are helpful in teaching music.
Through this class, I learned about several websites, apps, programs, and instruments
that can be used as beneficial teaching tools in music education settings. A few
examples of the various types of technology tools that we explored include: MusicFirst,
Riffstation, MadPad, Noteflight, Makey Makey, Soundation, and Hook Theory. Our class
readings and discussions helped me learn some of the ways these (and other)
technology as an important teaching tool, but I did not know many practical applications
for using technology in the classroom before taking this class. This class allowed me to
use some types of technology tools, to experiment with various technology resources
(Bruner), and to realize some of the many benefits of incorporating music technology
One of my biggest takeaways from this class is the idea that including technology
in learning activities can help increase student motivation because it helps them relate
music to their lives (Comenius). Many students are accustomed to using different forms
of technology on a daily basis. Including it in music classes can peak their interest, help
them connect to their day-to-day lives, and can help their learning process be engaging
that there are many ways to include technology within project-based learning situations
increased motivation, I decided that I wanted to include some of the technology tools
Another main idea that was reinforced through our class readings and
and learning activities. Instead of being stuck in the tradition of all assessments being in
the form of paper and pencil tests, it is beneficial to include a variety of assessment
methods to best meet the needs of different types of learners (Gardner). My belief that
students should be assessed in many different ways was reinforced through our class
discussions and readings. These discussions and readings helped me learn some
practical ways to integrate technology into assessment in order to help vary the types of
evaluations.
One of the most important and memorable points of our class discussions is that
objectives. Technology should not be included in lesson plans simply for the sake of
including technology, and similar to the Curwen hand signs, it should be a tool for
learning, but shouldnt be the only method of learning. Instead, there should be a
specific purpose for its inclusion so that it can be used as a learning tool. This class