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ERIC Number: EJ874463
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Feb
Pages: 6
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1069-7446
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Making the Tech Connection
Olson, Catherine Applefeld
Teaching Music, v17 n5 p30-35 Feb 2010
From Web-based software to smartboards to the omnipresent MP3 player, technology can revolutionize the way children create, comprehend, and master music. Best yet, proponents say, technology is often able to light a spark among students who otherwise might be turned off by more traditional music education practices. None of this is a major revelation. But what is big news is the rate at which kids at both elementary and secondary levels are eagerly adopting technology. Today's children are not just interested in using technology--they "expect" to use it. And at a time when 5-year-olds tote MP3 players and 10-year-olds can text and master a computer game faster than any adult in the room, the bar is undeniably high for music teachers. Many are playing catch-up with their tech-savvy students, others are struggling to stay ahead of the curve, and even more would like to forge a new connection with their students through technology but wonder: Is it worth the time and effort? Music teachers who have already made the plunge say that technology is particularly effective in three areas: (1) encouraging collaborative learning; (2) augmenting interdisciplinary learning; and (3) attracting the attention of nontraditional students, both at the college level and in K-12 environments. Using technology in the service of music education doesn't require a phalanx of keyboards or expensive software; a lot can be done with just one computer and an Internet connection. This article offers three ideas for "digitally enhanced" lessons that could add a great deal to students' musical experience: (1) Bring in a professional via Skype; (2) Use YouTube, SchoolTube, and EduTube to preview music and performances; and (3) Graphically research music history.
MENC: The National Association for Music Education. 1806 Robert Fulton Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-336-3768; Tel: 703-860-4000; Web site: http://www.menc.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; Higher Education
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A