No matter the subject area, teachers cannot avoid the use of technology. I teach instrumental music - guitar - in a Houston high school. Outside of the skill and drill variety, one would think that technology has no place in my classroom. By the way, the skills they can practice during these exercises, is very affective with the basic music reading skills. Not unlike any other language, music requires memorization of new symbols and characters. But what about the internet? Can they use the web to learn a skill? Absolutely. A student can search for a song on their smart phone, find the tablature, and access a Youtube video with a step by step lesson on how to play this song on the guitar. Do they learn all the nuts and bolts I intended to teach them along the way? No. Are they following my scope and sequence? No. Do I feel as though I have lost control? Maybe. But they can produce what they set out to learn. If I were to tell them they were incorrect, I would seem ignorant, out-of-date, or worse - insignificant. If, however, I let go of the reigns and let them take the time to learn the song, I can probably identify most of the learning objectives I plan to cover. If the piece is beyond their ability, it motivates them. If it is too simple, they feel accomplished. Score! I believe this applies to all subject matters. Can you describe a similar instance in your teaching experience?
Click the link below. You will be on the 'tab page' for the Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are a-Changin'. Follow the links and you too can learn to play the guitar through technology.
The Times They Are a-Changin'
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