Week 6

This week, we began a project on WebQuests.  WebQuests are defined as "an inquiry-oriented activity in which some or all of the information that learners interact with comes from resources on the internet, optionally supplemented with videoconferencing" (Dodge).  There are two types of WebQuests: Short term and Longer term.  Short term WebQuests are designed to be completed over a few class periods whereas longer term WebQuests can last a week to even a month!

We will be building our own WebQuests over the next week.  I will be creating a webquest about creative composition for my students.  This will help them utilize several programs that will enable them to compose music in creative ways.

We also learned about copyright laws this week. “Copyright is a form of protection provided by the laws of the United States (title 17, U.S. Code) to the authors of ‘original works of authorship,’ including literary, dramatic, musical, artistic, and certain other intellectual works” (Bauer pg. 161-162).  Teachers need to be aware that there are copyright laws and we must make sure to observe them.  Especially with digital copyright laws!  If you were born after January 1, 1978, your copyright is in effect during your entire lifetime and for 70 years following your life.  You automatically have copyright of anything you create and do not have to apply for a copyright.  Copyright laws are in place to protect creators.  We must abide by the copyright laws. There are serious penalties if you do not.

We also went over some information that I have previous learned in other classes of mine through my undergraduate and my graduate studies.  One of those topics is Backwards Design.  This occurs when you start a lesson plan "with the end in mind."  This unit design makes sure the teacher creates a lesson in which the students will learn and demonstrate the skills they are supposed to be learning at that point.  

“Technology is a means by which music teachers can differentiate instruction, providing different paths for students to achieve learning outcomes” (Bauer pg. 159).  I am interested in differentiated instruction in the music class because my school has pushed differentiated instruction in the entire school this year.  While I KNOW I differentiate instruction, sometimes it’s hard to pin point into words exactly what I do.  The fact that I can differentiate music instruction through technology is incredible helpful.  Teachers can use programs and websites in order to help students learn their history and their theory.  Programs such as SmartMusic allow students to use and create “loops” which allows them to compose.