Scenario...

As a new educator, I can bring several positive attributes to the table. The concept of regular technological integration into the classroom is fresh in my mind and is something that I am confident about, excited about, and of which I am an advocate. I strive to make my goals and objectives in the classroom student oriented. In my eyes, students meeting objectives is the pinnacle of what education is. Some challenges that I may face as an educator include not yet having the experience to know what technological strategies work better than others. Also, I think a challenge will be that technological integration in classroom is not yet standard. This presents challenges in that a change is necessary within the education world, which will not happen overnight. My goals for my classroom will take time to reach.

In the next 3-5 years, I see myself teaching music using as many different resources as I possibly can. I see myself JUST settling into teaching in general, but becoming more comfortable with lessons plans, new ideas, and a structured curriculum including technology. I will have tried lots of new things and have decided which ones work and which don't get through as well.

Technology can have a huge positive impact on student learning. Students who need more repetition with a concept, students who have visual or aural impairments, students who struggle with reading, students who want to learn more than was available in class, ANY STUDENT can benefit from technology. Some ways may include homework reviews recorded and available online, student assessment by recording practice sessions, and reaching students who simply need more information at a slower pace.
My education has been effected in a positive way. I've been able to listen to recordings of pieces that I'm playing, kept a check on my grades, had lessons with AMAZING musicians via iChat, streamed live concerts through ustream, and countless other ways.

My Wow Moment....

I rarely have "aha!!!" moments, and this class was no exception. I have had an "aha!!" SEMESTER. I never in a million years thought I could create my very own website with embed codes, pictures, links, rss feeds, and so much more. I haven't really been interested in technology, but seeing all the possibilities with technology and education and how easy they are to access puts a spring in my step. Now, I have the confidence to create webquests, use google maps to create lesson plans, have the students display their knowledge using countless avenues, and so much more that I haven't even learned about yet. I have the resources that I've discovered along with all the resources my peers have learned about because I know how to access their Delicious accounts, follow them on twitter, and lots of other educational social media. I've learned that it is all about learning non-stop, asking others via technology, and being creative in finding ways to use technology in my classroom. It has been so enlightening to learn how to embed things (I didn't even know what that meant before!!) I am so happy that I fought through my frustration as a relatively new "techie." Visit my website and see what all I've learned to do!!

Podcast Favorites

My two favorite podcasts to listen to were:
1. The podcast about Salman Kahn>

Watching Mr. Kahn talk about his advancement in technology and education was so inspiring and really made me get excited about my generation of teachers and what are role is going to be when we acquire jobs. Gone are the days of blackboards, confused students, and "one-size-fits-all" education. We now have the resources available to easily tailor educations for each and every student. Wow.

2. K12 Online Conference

I liked k12onlineconference because I thought their topics were interesting, the discussions were stimulating, and very well articulated. I enjoyed hearing about NEW topics that I was not familiar with and receiving lots of pertinent information about what the new tool was, how it works, ways to use it in the schools, and examples of how others have begun to use it.

Semester Favorites

My favorite tools that we explored this semester were the Prezi website and the Glogster website. To present information to my students, I am always looking for new and innovative ways besides the 'ole PowerPoint. As a music educator, I plan to integrate the Prezi tool to introduce new concepts, skills, and other information. Also, Prezi is a great professional tool. Even this summer, I'm giving a presentation at a Kansas Bandmasters Association conference in Wichita and I plan to use Prezi to give it. What is so great about it is the cool way it moves from one point to another. With a power point, moving from slide to slide with the same format can get boring fast. With prezi, the viewer zooms in and out, jumps from point to point, and is whirled around to connect all the big presentation points.
I really loved glogster because it was so easy to use and is really versatile. I know that since I had no trouble using it, students will have no trouble using it, as each generation is more tech-savvy than the previous. I love all the choices of available backgrounds, signs, bubbles, and the potential to add pictures and videos. It is a great assessment tool for teachers as well as a fun project creator for students.

Podcast Reflection #11: Tech Chick Tips #84

First, the chicks discuss an article from macworld.com about angry birds and its correlation to technology. Basically, if you don't use technology, you can't learn how to incorporate it further into life. The same goes for technology and education. Basically, if you don't allow students to use technological resources in the classroom, they'll never understand how to use it and its importance in the world we live in. Trial and error is the foundation not only with the game but with technology. Also, they mention that there is more than 1 way to win (the game and technology.) Our technology teacher always says, "There is NOT JUST ONE WAY to do what we are doing." Similarly, there is more than one way to defeat the game and there are tons of way to arrive at a destination when using technology. Haven't heard of/played angry birds? Check out this website!

Podcast Reflection #10: K-12 Online Conference: ERACISM

The project discussed in this podcast was Eracism. This new word, made up of two other words, (erase and racism) means to erase racism. This project was created by students all over the world using new technological tools such as voicethread to make the debates seem synchronous. Instead of just using text only to discuss issues, students were able to record debates about issues and receive the information that way. They also used Diigo to have the students collectively store their research and their resources. They designed their own protocols and formats as to how the debates were designed and run.

I thought this was a great way for students all over the world to connect with each other, discuss issues, and find solutions without ever having met. In today's world, technology enables us to collaborate with so many people with so many different talents to work on finding solutions to pressing issues. As I've stated in other reflections, I firmly believe that my generation is responsible for learning as much as we can for and with our students to grow in education, technology, and as active participants in life.

Podcast Reflection #8: EdTechWeekly #190

This presentation focused on twitter. The pros and cons of twitter are discussed. One con that is brought up is that parents are sometimes intimidated and hesitant to join twitter. It is a fairly new tool and parents may find it confusing and unnecessary if they already use other communication tools such as email or text messages. On the other hand, there is a feature on twitter that allows people to receives text messages of any tweets made by the persons they follow. The eliminates the needs to always "check" twitter to see if any news has come up. People who are not addicted to checking social media sites during the day may not benefit from updates if they are not notified that they have happened.

Persuading educators to use these mediums such as twitter to be a part of the technological age and the education community is a concern. Using twitter as a resource as opposed to a communication device to open the lines of communication with parents could be persuasive. Teachers can "follow" people they don't necessarily know, but have more knowledge or insight into topics that are interesting/relevant to them.

Personally, I think it is important for my generation of up-and-coming teachers to become involved and informed about technology and its use in the classroom. Students are different kinds of learners than they were 50, even 15 years ago. Technology has advanced; we must advance our teaching styles and strategies to match.

Podcast Reflection #9: Salman Kahn: Let's Use Video to Reinvent Education

As I watched Salman Kahn speak about humanizing the classroom through technology, I was inspired. I love the idea that students can go their speed and review the material as they please with his system. His views on mastering skills and filling in the "swiss cheese" gaps in the foundations of information are innovative and I agree whole-heartedly. I like the way he advocates repetition. And he is for repetition not just for the sake of repetition. I feel that Kahn realizes that you have to learn things in school just as you learn to do any other skill such as riding a bike. This is the future of technology and its place in the education system. Everyone should view Salman Kahn talking about the future of education.

http://www.ted.com/talks/salman_khan_let_s_use_video_to_reinvent_education.html

Podcast Reflection #7: K-12 Online Conference: The Heroic Journey Project

I discovered that this Podcast was about using google earth, google maps, google sites, other books, and imagination to complete a project. Kevin Hodgson created a journey for students to take so they would end up learning more than they could ever have dreamed of learning, all by being creative, thinking outside the box, and viewing learning as a journey! The concept was for students to start out reading "The Odyssey". After that, the read another book called "The Lightning Thief". The assignment was presented as "a journey", which entices students to embark on an action-packed trip across the globe! Students use google maps and google earth to record their journey online. After they have come to the end, they used google sites to share their tale with others on the world wide web.

I would have been so pumped to do assignments in high school if they would have been anything like this! Students learn to integrate technology with their lives and their educational experience! I can't stress how much positive comes out of prior planning of lessons, units, and creative outlets for students!

Podcast Reflection #6: Speed of Creativity #340

This podcast comes from Edmond, OK. This particular one was an interview about the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus. This bus is a portable recording studio. It inspires creativity and original music from students around the nation. Students can work with professional musicians, record music, and even make a music video.

Audio, video, and multimedia experience for students is such a positive way to inspire students to create and post music in a safe place! What a cool way to foster students' collaboration skills, musical creativity, and other knowledge! It's fun, non-judgemental, and students can work with famous musical artists such as Brian McKnight, Yoko Ono, and the Black Eyed Peas! They have a website at www.LennonBus.org.
Check it out!

Podcast Reflection #5: Ed Tech Talk: EdTechTalkWeekly #180

These gentleman talked about Wikipedia on this podcast. They shared their opinions and some resources about encyclopedias, the internet, and where research is going. The question of wikipedia's credibility has been a point of concern since it has come about. They mentioned the strengths and weaknesses of this online research tool. Interestingly enough, the point was made that actually, wikipedia wasn't created too much differently than the Oxford Dictionary of English Language. I really thought that was intriguing. I never thought about the fact that nobody really ever used traditional encyclopedias as anything ever than a reference, so why should they expect anything more from wikipedia? For as much flack as wikipedia has caught, we sure set high expectations for something that never claimed to be anything more than what we already knew.

Podcast Reflection #4: Tech Chicks Episode 47

After spending the day at Tech Forum Southwest, the two ladies mentioned how when attending a conference, they were recognized from their online networking efforts. This just goes to show how connected we are able to become through all of the difference social networking sites. It's absolutely wonderful how we can reach out to one another and connect so closely with those in our professional family. We can still be close with people even though how we are connected is (sort of) impersonal. I like to listen to people talk about progressive thinking. Not only does that excite me for the future of teaching, it inspires me to learn more about what teaching was, is, and will become.

Podcast Reflection #3: Driving Questions: iCiL Conference

From this Podcast, I learned about an "unconference" hosted in Colby, KS and in Salina, KS. Before, I had no idea that anything like this was even happening, much less an hour from me! I was excited to learn that there are sessions at the conference that are about technology, learning, and connecting with others. I thought it was really cool how she mentioned that you can go to as many sessions that day as you can, as you don't have to sit through a 45 minute session each time if you want to catch another one that is happening at the same time.

Now that I'm informed that conferences such as these take place annually, I'll definitely be growing as a teacher and learner by trying to catch them each year.

Eduteacher Site Reflection

I found these resources that I thought might be helpful to me someday:

1. AudioPal- this program allows you to record audio messages and embed them on a website! This would be useful when creating a music department, band website or a choir website. You could post a personal greeting on the web to all who visit your site. I also thought this would be a great tool to use with students. You could embed student testimonials on the music website, record yourself saying the homework assignments, and other uses!

2. From the Top-

For the past decade, From the Top has been the preeminent showcase for America’s best young musicians. Through award-winning NPR and PBS programs, online media, a national tour of live events, and education programs, From the Top shares the stories and performances of pre-collegiate musicians with millions each week. Each program provides a compelling and entertaining window into the world of a diverse group of young people, who pursue life with passion, determination, and joy.

I thought this was extremely cool! Any way to showcase the work of musicians is okay in my book!

3. Jam Studio.com- This site is proclaimed to be "the garageband of the internet world." Simply put, this is great because not everyone has garageband. This site makes recording and mixing available to all students on one level.

Classroom 2.0

Wow! I loved exploring this site. As we dive deeper into connecting with others through different social media outlets such as twitter, facebook, plurk, blogs, etc., I'm finding that I love having so many ways to talk to people all over the globe about my profession. It is so easy to visit sites such as Classroom 2.0, find a group who is discussing something you're interested in or even having a problem with, and get some answers! I liked how there is blogs to read, discussion groups to get involved with, and podcasts and shows to watch! All these fantastic resources to support education and teachers are right at your fingertips at Classroom 2.0. It is empowering as teachers to have a site like this to visit to connect with our colleagues, learn new ideas, discuss similarities and differences, and any other empowering action. We are in this business to connect with people, share ideas, hone our skills, and change lives. With Classroom 2.0, networking and sharing/receiving information are easier than ever!

Kan-Ed Reflection

After exploring the Kan-Ed websites, I came to some conclusions about how they will be useful to me as teacher in a music classroom. I really thought that the KERC website was one of the more helpful parts of the site that I found. I've actually used this resource before, but now that I am closer to being a teacher in the field, I realize that this may be helpful as I begin my career. I really liked how the standards were addressed on this site. There are links to lessons plans pertaining to each standard and its sub-sects. However, I thought the layout of the home page was a bit jumbled and disjunct. I found it a bit challenging to navigate through the amount of sites listed. I've noticed that I become overwhelmed with websites if they are too overkill, meaning that the ratio of blank space to text is heavy on the text side. Also, the tabs on the top of the page are helpful as search tools, but they weren't what I expected them to be when I clicked on them. I initially thought that under each tab would be more information about it, but in most cases, clicking on a tab jumped you to a search bar. Overall, I thought that the information contained on this site is useful to students and teachers alike as a resource, but was a bit overwhelming to learn to use.

Using Twitter as an Educator

After using twitter for about a month, I've discovered that I really enjoy following teachers. Most of the teachers I follow tweet everyday, multiple times a day. They retweet others' tweets and in essence, I follow twice as many people just through those retweet posts! Their tweets often contain links to sites, news articles, and other pertinent information. There is more information out there about music, education, technology, and classrooms than I can ever hope to know about, but I like having twitter to connect me to updates from people who are interested in these topics.

Animoto in my Classroom

I had a lot of fun creating video clips with animoto. It's simple to use, has a variety of music, pictures, and layouts to choose from, and uploads quickly. When I envision using animoto in my future classroom, I think about introducing topics to my students. I may try even making an introduction video to each piece we play on a concert. Or maybe I would introduce new concepts such as a new rhythm, a new musical period, or a new/unusual instrument/genre to the class. Something that also went through my mind as I was putting these together was the thought of a fun animoto at the end of each week featuring pictures of the section that was most improved, or had the highest participation level, or something else along those lines. I think it could be used as a teaching tool as well as a reward tool.

Fun With Text

As I worked to make these 'wordles', several ideas about how fun with text could be integrated into a classroom. For example, in my music classroom, I could give each student a buzz word such as genre, or Beethoven, or stylistic traits, and have them come up with words that are related to each of those topics and create a wordle. The way you can make a specific word appear larger by typing it more times is something useful they should understand to make the buzz word stand out. This expands their musical vocabulary, as well as gives a fun, colorful representation of a graphic organizer. Another way these 'fun with text' ideas could be used is to have each student create a wordle using words to describe themselves. This is a great way to get them using new, exciting technological outlets to express themselves, as well as an effective way to get to know your students on a more personal level!

Reflection 2: CDK’s Education Technology Place

When I visited the personal website, I first noticed that at the top of the page were links to all the other pages of your site. That makes for easy navigation, and I appreciate that! I discovered that you are a member of Celebrate Kansas Voices. I also learned what Celebrate Kansas Voices is all about. I think it’s really neat that this group of people is continuing to carry on who we are as a society through technology. I viewed all the blogs that you read regularly! I didn’t know that those kinds of things even existed. I discovered lots of information about the iPad on your page about them. I’m still not as familiar as I’d like to be with that device. I discovered some information about your family by exploring your blog as well.

Reflection 1: Technology Bits, Bytes, and Nibbles

I read the article about the students in Illinois who participated in a kind of a technology abstinence program for one week. The format of this experiment was such that students who were willing to do so reverted to using only technologies available in 1983, the year their teacher was in sixth grade. I thought this idea was refreshing and was a great way to “snap” students “our of it.” Today, many children middle school age and younger have gaming systems, computers, cell phones, hundreds of HD cable channels on their TV’s, and multiple other technological devices. While the past 15 or so years have brought revolutionary ideas, they’ve also come with more and more distraction. People today spend countless hours watching TV, behind game controllers, using a computer, and talking and texting on smartphones. I’m not surprised at the reactions of these 6th graders who came to the realization that while technology is important, they could successfully live life without their phone or video game attached to their hips. Also, I think that technology is the future and important for moving forward, but can also be misused and mistreated to the point of setback. For example, instant messaging between student and teacher seems lazy, lacks purpose, and kills any chances for fostering proper socials skills in students.
I also read about history pin, lookback maps, and sepia town. These tools seem like one of the best uses of technology to me. One huge advantage of the technology available to us is the ease of communication between people all over the world. These three tools make it possible to connect with people from different generations, share stories, and memorialize important events all at the click of a mouse. Also, these tools bring the opportunity to “visit” somewhere you’d like to go or will never be able to go. You can see where your grandparents grew up, you can see what your hometown looked like 50 years ago, and you can see all sorts of things! What a cool way to utilize the information that we have now to access the information of yesteryear.