Delicious and Social Bookmarking

Social bookmarking has been an impressive idea to me from when we first discussed it in August with the Personal Learning Network article.  The idea behind this type of information gathering is admirable and will work well if all involved take care in bookmarking.  From an organizational standpoint, I am undecided about whether to create a separate account for personal and professional use.  Although the tabs work to segregate these sites, it may be helpful to have two separate networks.

The only difficulty I have found in its use is the lack of knowledge about such a site in general.  I have asked educators that I admire if they have used the tool and found most are not aware of the technology.  It would be helpful if there was a tool on the delicious site that would allow a user to send out a generic email to contacts that explains delicious, identifies your user names, and links the recipient to set up an account.  Perhaps this feature exists, but I have not found out.  Please advise if one exists!

PLN: MusicEdMajor.net

Amy Burns suggested this blog in a recent posting.  The site was created and is maintain by an undergraduate music education major at University of Miami.  Although the blog does not entirely apply to me, I think it is an important resource to pass forward to students.  I gave a presentation about successful teaching in the first-year at NEOEA today, during which I provided a list of web resources.  This would have been another great addition.  It is a great way to combat the isolating circumstances that most music educators experience, especially in a new job.  Also, I am impressed with the layout, tags, etc.  Can anyone recognize how this site was put together?  Is it Blogger?

PLN: New Music Tech Blog

Katie Wardrobe has just started a this new blog a month ago.  She plans to pass on music technology tips and news, in addition to posting her tutorials.  Although there are only five or six blog posts to date, this site is already impressive and shows great promise for the future!

A Variety of Technology Articles

The required articles for the week provided a great deal of information, though some of it dated.  Computer-Aided Instruction in Music was the most fruitful in giving important knowledge of available software, a brief history of CAI, and impressive internet sites.  The likelihood of using any of the software mentioned was greatly increased by the addition of software images throughout the module.  I was able to evaluate how enticing these programs would be for my younger students.  Previously I was unaware of the many software programs that target the early childhood audience.  The module (which I believe was cut off) went on to list internet-based software examples, to which I would add the following, as listed on my previous music classroom webpage.  I used these sites for music classes held in the school computer lab, whole-class instruction with my classroom computer connected to a SMARTboard or television, and as suggestions for further study at home. 

I was surprised that One Computer CAN Deliver Whole-Class Instruction did not mention connecting the one classroom computer to a television to allow more children to see the screen and therefore have a chance to participate.  In addition, interactive white boards were not mentioned, perhaps due to the publication date of the article. 

The New Dimensions in White article introduced a new product to me - the Activslate.  This would have been an invaluable tool in my previous classroom!  In my future of working with our youngest students, I hope to have the opportunity to incorporate this technology, as it seems best suited to smaller groups and would allow for close proximity to the students.

PLN: Edvisors

This site is an online education news feed.  Articles in major papers across the country that deal with some aspect of education are posted in their blog.  Not all articles are worth in depth reading, but it does provide a wide glance at education in the national news.

Audio Editors and Recording

Both of these articles have practical and immediate applications in the classroom.  Capturing Sound is a great step-by-step resource for recording.  Substantial work is required on the front end of incorporating this technology into your performance routine.  However, once established, consistent use is possible without a large time commitment.  The inclusion of students in the process, as suggested by Clukey, would be a great way to develop leadership and/or skills in technology for students with special interest in the recording industry.  The only information lacking in this article is suggested brands and models of recording equipment.  Perhaps this information was not included for ethical or legal purposes.

Picture This provided many ideas for future University Singers rehearsals.  I have spent a great deal of rehearsal time on supported, legato singing, as well as developing rhythmic accuracy.  The use of mental imagery has been my most successful tool in dealing with these concepts.  The use of concrete imagery in waveform may make further connections for my students.  Last evening, I recorded part of the rehearsal to provide a file for student evaluation of their own work.  After students have listened to their performance on Blackboard, I will use the GarageBand file to establish the visual connection to our sound.  I am hoping this activity will provide another layer of understanding for the ensemble.