Thing 12 - Assessment/Evaluation and Survey Tools

#1 - Survey/Quiz Using Google Docs
Setting up a survey/quiz using Google Docs is really easy.  The format is straight forward and the collection of data at the end is just as simple.  I actually wrote and posted a questionnaire on the spot in the last 10 minutes of class while we were in the media center and by the time the students left, I had 28 immediate feedback quizzes from my students from a form that didn't even exist at the beginning of class.  This shows how easy and quick this program can be.  I actually used Moodle as the place where I posted the quiz web address because all my students have active accounts for my theater classes.  Here are some of the results.

#2 - Create a rubric using Rubistar

I have never used this program until this evening.  I really like the various preset rubrics it has so you can personalize categories for what your group needs (I really like that there are actually music choices).  The rubric I created is one I am going to begin using for individual student evaluation of their own solo and duet performances.  The students will perform their solo/duets and the group will evaluate each performance using this rubric as a guideline.  This will also help them to develop an awareness of what is expected of a great choral performance.

#3 -  FERPA/HIPAA and Data Warehousing

    FERPA/HIPAA is something that we as teachers must take very seriously.  We need to make sure that a students information is protected with the care and seriousness that their medical data is protected.  We must make sure that when requests are made to the school in regards to student data that we know how stringent time lines are and what can and cannot be shared.

     The data warehousing tool I have been using on a very high level is the course management serves called Moodle.  I have been using this application for almost two full years and it has become a very integral part of my lesson plans and curriculum I have created for my band/choir/theatre courses.  The band section is the biggest section I have created.  We are using it as a platform to offer students access to all their music performed in class, scheduling information, handouts, and a platform for students being able to access quizzes/surveys created either created by Google Docs or in Moodle when they are assigned.  Here is a small snapshot of our MS/HS band Moodle site.

Thing 6 - Differentiated Instruction and Diverse Learning

#1 - Differentiated Learning Assignment
As I look at this article I know there is so much more I can do to differentiate but I think I have a good start.  Currently here are some things I do to differentiate in my class.

• Informal assessments
• "I Can" statements
• Entrance and Exit Slips.
• Pre-testing
• Flexible Grouping (especially in my theatre class)

#2 - Diverse Learning Assignment

Currently I have two students that have visual impairments.  Looking through the various technologies used to help support diverse learners, I think the digital text section has some great ideas.  Using eBooks could be great with the ability to have them enlarge text or even convert text to speech.  They could also manipulate text to create notes and web browsing to help understand unclear readings.  Overall I think this would be a great tool for the visually impaired.

#3 - Universal Design for Learning Assignment

I struggled with this portion of the assignment for a bit trying to figure out how this portion works.  I found that within the music section there were several assignments that caught my eye such as "

Elements of Music: Media, Genre, Form Texture" 

(Readability Level 5), "Science Buddies: Movie Music" (Readability Level 3), "Classics For Kids: Note Name Game" (Readability Level 2).  There is a great deal of difference in difficulty between the readability level 5 and the 3.  I think this resource could be helpful when trying to find assignments and learning activities when needing to differentiate in a classroom.

#4 - Text-to-Audio Conversion Assignment
The text to speech web 2.0 program called vozMe is a nice little web app.  I like that you can actually work in Spanish as well.  I could see this program being used for students that need things read to them.  Iinstead of reading things out loud, you could copy and paste the text and create an audio version for the student.  There are also some other cool web applications like this that include animation such as http://www.voki.com/ It essentially does the same thing as vozMe but also adds an animated person saying your text.  You can also do multiple people having a conversation.  Could be a nice teaching tool if used well.

Thing 5 - Content Area Tools

Activity 1 for MS Theatre Class - Music in Movies: You Pick the Soundtrack
This activity falls into our MI Standards in Arts Education in Theatre - 
1.3. - Lead small groups in planning rehearsals for improvised and scripted scenes.
    In this activity, teens are invited to consider how music contributes to a movie scene. Does it succeed or fail in making the viewer feel something? By taking on the role of director, teens will gain an increased understanding of how many decisions go into a movie scene. In addition to music, there’s the dialogue, plus the setting, the lighting, the camera angles, and more. By considering all that, your teen will begin to analyze (and appreciate) movies the way reviewers do.
     I would use this activity as a preset to moving into the Advanced Theatre class 9 week project.  The class would use this as a pre-assignment to get them familiar with filming and digital editing so when we do the final movie project they are familiar with equipment and the process.
http://www.readwritethink.org/parent-afterschool-resources/activities-projects/music-movies-pick-soundtrack-30155.html

Activity 2 for MS 6th Band/Choir - First Rhythmic Composition

This activity falls into our MI Standards in Arts Education in Music - 

3.4. - Evaluate the quality and effectiveness of one's own and others' performances, compositions, arrangements, and improvisations by applying specific and appropriate criteria and offering constructive suggestions for improvement.

    This lesson introduces students to rhythm concepts, including the names and symbols associated with music notation. Students will fill in a chart that outlines names and meanings of rhythmic musical symbols. Then, using these symbols, they will clap rhythm sequences and compose their first compositions. They will also compare these rhythmic sequences to math concepts.
    I would use this activity as a follow up after we have done our beginning lessons on music notation.  It would be utilized as a reinforcement tool and a way to get into cross curricular activity with the discussion of math concepts compared to rhythmic sequences.
http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/educators/lessons/grade-6-8/First_Rhythmic_Composition.aspx#Overview

Thing 5 - RSS Findings

In my couple of months of exploring RSS Feeds I am learning that you need to go back and clean things up. I am finding that I can't keep up with all my feeds. If I let it go for a couple days, all of the sudden I have over 200 feeds. It starts to get a bit overwhelming. I am starting to take note of blogs that maybe I stumbled across and thought it would be great to follow and they aren't really that great. So my advice so far... don't sign up for everything. Start to take note of blogs you really like and edit frequently.

Thing 4 - RSS Feeds

I have actually been using RSS Feeds for a while. I have had the opportunity to become fluent on many different types of devices as well. I origionally used the website "Blogger" to read various blogs. About 4 months ago I began using Google Reader as an RSS feeder and at about the same time I began exploring different RSS Feed apps for my iPhone. I discovered several that are cool but settled on a great app called Feeddler Pro. Most feeder apps use a reader like Google Reader to bring the information to the app. Recently, I just picked up an iPad2 and have started looking for a nice RSS Feeder that utilizes the larger screen and looks really nice. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear from ya.

Thing 3 - Explore what it means to be a lifelong learner.

Create a new post on your blog about why your hardest and easiest habits are what they are for you, and what things you can do to get better at the hardest one. Why is the easiest one so easy for you?

Habit number 5 (Teach/Mentor Others) is the most difficult habit for me. I find that when dealing with the subject of technology I am very confident and take a leadership role quite frequently. Outside of technology within the subject of music I find that there are times where I doubt my leadership with other teachers thinking to myself that there are better options than me. I find this a bit strange to put this category in my difficult habit because I have been a mentor but, sometimes I am surprised that I would be asked to be a mentor. Ways that I could improve on this would be by first and foremost gaining confidence as a mentor teacher. I think that being a musician I have placed myself in a very humble role understanding that there are always better educators/musicians out there but I need to really reflect on the fact that I am a competent musician / educator and have the capacity to be a great mentor as well.

Habit number 6 (Use technology to your advantage.) is the easiest. It is the easiest because I have always had a strong interest in technology of all kinds. I am always trying to figure out new and creative ways I can use it within my classroom and to inspire learning.

Thing 2: Three Questions About Blogs maybe 4

• What makes a good blog?

The first thing I think about when I am thinking of a good blog is something that is well written but still makes a connection with the reader.  It doesn't sound like it's coming out of a text book.  It has strong human qualities to it so that I (the reader) can make a connection.  

• How could a blog enhance your existing school web site?

I think that blogs can enhance school web sites by adding the personality to teachers and buildings. Our district isn't just a set of buildings, it is all the people in it from support staff to administration, teachers to students, and even our community.  Everyone in this district has a voice and that voice is what moves our ideas.  Blogs can give a school web site the voice of the general population.

• Are blogs an easier way for people to self-publish?

Blogs are a huge way for people to self-publish.  I have seen people who have very popular blogs that have become famous and the only thing they needed was a way to put their words on the web. Blogs give any person the opportunity to be heard.  With that being said, we must remember that anyone can post a blog.

• Reflect on your initial thoughts about the Read/Write Web (aka Web 2.0) and its role in 21st Century teaching and learning.

I am very excited about exploring Web 2.0 even more.  I think this could have a huge impact on how we teach.  Wiki's and blogs are such an easy but real effective way to collaborate with students.  I am considering using a podcast for Music performances we do to use as concert evaluation materials or even for parents who couldn't make it to get the performance via the web.