Tool # 11 Self Assessing and reflecting

Finally the training is over. There were several tools that I liked from this assignment, like SKYPE commix, word cloud generators, web cam, Google docs etc. The most program that we will use to the orchestra class are SKYPE, Finale writing music program, smart music as well as web search.

I think that we need to use more technology to incorporate to my lesson with all the classes.

I know that I cannot possibly attempt everything that I have learned through this training but I will have to take little steps. We still have to play instruments in our classroom and less computers and electronic devices because of our specifics of the orchestra class.

Each year I feel that I am getting a bit more comfortable with technology.

I am totally amazed at the wealth of information that is available to teachers!  I had no idea there were so many different tools out there.  The problem for me will be trying to find the time to look through these sites at length and find what will work for me in my classroom.  Teachers have so many responsibilities already I just don't know how I will be able to add too much more to my orchestra class.  

Tool # 10 Digital Citizenship

Orchestra students know to use the electronic devices in class to be Digital Citizen and appropriate for learning purpose. Students know the consequences for their actions and are being supervised all times.

I might have the students talk with their parents about having good Digital Citizenship and then blogging about their conversation. I also discussed with parents about being Digital Citizenship using the electronic devices Mac Book and I Pods at Back School Night and at a PTA meeting.

Tool # 9 Incorporating Classroom-Based Devices as Tools for Learning

Tool #9 Assignment, create a new post in which you respond to the following:

1. Why do you think it is important to tie the technology to the objective?
2. Why should we hold students accountable for the stations/centers?
3. Visit 2 of the applicable links to interactive websites for your content/grade level. Which sites did you like. How could you use them as stations? How can you hold the students accountable for their time in these stations?
4. List two to three apps you found for the iPod Touch/iPad that you can use in your classroom. What do you see that station looking like? How can you hold the students accountable for their time in these stations?
5. What about other ways to use the iPod Touch/iPad? Share another way you can see your students using the device as a station.

The last decade it has been tremendous development of the technology used in our classrooms and preparing our students for the future to be competitor and leaders in the global market economy. Students love to use the technology devices to help, understand and compete their music objectives.

Students are responsible to use individual or as instrument section their iPad in the practice room and return or exchange with other section leaders such as violin 1, Violin 2, viola, cello and bass.

Tool # 8 Taking a Look at the Tools!

Tool #8, in your post:

1. After watching the videos/tutorials, list two to three things you learned about the device(s) that will be in your classroom this fall.
2. How do you plan to manage the device(s) in your classroom? Do you have ideas/suggestions that others may find useful?

SOMS orchestra students have 4 IPod and 2 MacBook and it is easy to manage and control these electronic devices in the class.

Students are using to record themselves, video their performance and correct their instrument positions.

Students download the metronome at the IPod and are using to practice their rhythms in music selection. 

Students search on web to find the composer information, the music period where he creates the songs as well as characteristic of the music genre.

Tool #7 Going Global: Online Digital Projects

Tool 7 assignment, create a post and respond to the following:

1. After visiting the resources above, design a collaborative project with another classroom.
2. Post the following about the project:
   1. Content objective
   2. When you plan to implement
   3. What tool(s) you plan to use
   4. A brief description of the project (plan - two or three sentences)
   5. If you need to find another classroom - We can begin networking with other classrooms right here

I have been in SKYPE program contact with orchestra director at Spring Woods Middle School to connect our orchestras during the 3rd period where students are performing and sharing the ideas how to develop good intonation, dynamics and the character of the piece. SOMS intermediate orchestra is performing Moonlight Tango song and advanced orchestra of Spring Woods Middle School is performing Apollo Suite by Del Borgo. Students are judging their individual and group instrument sections, and suggesting to each other the practices methods and how to develop a good sound and balance. 

Tool #6 Using the Web Tools to Promote Discussion in and out of the Classroom

For your Tool #6 Post:

1. Choose at least two of the tools from the above list. Create an account for each (if required) .
2. Use each of the tools you choose to create a sample of how you would use it in your classroom.
3. Embed the sample (preferred) or link to the URL.
4. Share your thoughts on how you see the tools being integrated into your classroom. How do you see them encouraging participation?

I am using SKYPE program on line with students to exchange and share the information regarding their performances during the class with other orchestras in Spring Branch schools.  Students love to perform live on SKYPE and accept the judging coments from students and orchestra director of the other schooI. I also like that I can embed a video performance straight to my blog and students can be able to see it.
I already use Blogger to post questions or project guidelines. Students use Google Docs to answer the questions then share the document with me, so that I can grade and comment on their responses.

Tool #5 Producing with Web 2.0 Tools

Assignment:

1. Use at least two of the tools above to create products. Think about your content. Create a “set” for one of your lessons! Or, consider providing the site as a choice for your students to create products. Make a model for a student created product.
2. Then, embed both products in your blog or link to the products from your blog.
3. Describe for your readers how you think each tool can be incorporated into your classroom - how you could see the tool being used by you instructionally and your students to demonstrate their understanding of a concept or topic in your classroom.

I used Stupeflix studio and Prezi. I would use Prezi to incorporate a new concept, and allow students to use it as a presentation tool using images and videos from other web sites. It is very user friendly and easy to follow, so I do not see taking it too much time for them to learn it. I also like Stupefix, easy to create and it will be a great tool for students to present themselves to the class the first week and also as a tool for me to present a concept and allow them to have this tool as an option to present their understanding. It is easy, less time consuming that using power point. I see great value in these two applications and others.