Benny's 23 Things Blog

Thing 23-You Made It!

2009-12-24T13:17:00.000-08:00

(Image by APT) During grad school ten years ago, I had a professor who encouraged her students to constantly improve writing skills. She felt that with the influx of emailing and Internet usage that writing would be one of the greatest means of connecting with other professionals.

It's true. As a student of this class, my writing is the only way the other students know me and visa versa. The same goes with blogs and Personal Learning Networks.

So many of the Web 2.0 sites were simply words that I heard before, but had no idea what to do with them. Not anymore. I really enjoyed keeping a blog and will be adding one to my school Web-site. I also will be creating concert posters and other creations using Big Huge Labs. Del.icio.us was another useful site for me. I look forward to spending more time exploring the other Web 2.0 technologies to fit the best way into my professional, and possibly personal, life.

In the video a valid point was made. Students need to be able to search, find, and synthesize information and then collaborate with a community. That is the making of a life-long learner, which is an educator's goal for our students and ourselves.

Thing 22-Online Video

2009-12-24T12:35:00.001-08:00

(Image by CruiterTalk) Because of YouTube, my 5 year old son has seen trains from around the world. We are talking about the ICE, TGV, maglev, monorails, bullet trains, you name it! I do sit with him to quickly click out of a video that was supposedly about trains, but instead contains inappropriate material for a child. For that reason, I completely understand and agree with our school district's loyal St. Bernard banning YouTube from school use.

Teacher Tube and School Tube are commendable educational sources and a welcomed addition to my Del.icio.us site. I do not have access to a computer or the Internet in the rooms that I use for teaching. But, I do have access to a TV and a DVD player. Is there a way to put the videos on a DVD?

Thing 21-Your Heart Will be All a Twitter

2009-12-24T11:33:00.001-08:00

(Image by trends update) Twitter would remain as a professional technology source for me. I searched the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) Web-site and learned about a couple new happenings in that area. But, most exciting, I saw the movie trailer to a movie coming out in May that I really want to see. Being a rather private person, the social aspect of Twitter just isn't for me. Given the time to search for pertinent information, Twitter can be useful.

Thing 20- Bookmarking with del.icio.us

2009-12-23T04:55:00.000-08:00

(Image by Dinner & Dessert) You say delicious. I think brownies.

Not exactly in this context. Del.icio.us is a social bookmarking Web-site where you store your 'delicious' bookmarks to share with others or for your private personal use.

My user name is bandmusic4u. It clearly states the Web-sites on my account. If you want to introduce your students or children to orchestral music, visit SFSKIDS or NYPHILKIDS. Many of my students have asked for blank staff paper to write music, so now they can following the sheetmusic tag. I am especially fond of the free metronome on-line being that a steady beat is at the heart of successful music making. Instrumental music students can use it while practicing. The Web-sites mentioned were found through entering tags in the search box.

At work, I use computers in two buildings. Plus, I have a personal computer at home. Now, there is one commonplace to store my bookmarks and to share with others!

Thing 19-Introduction to Social Bookmarking

2009-12-16T20:16:00.000-08:00

(Image by marcofolio.net) Hallelujah!! That was my first thought about tagging. It is a useful way to organize digital resources with a system of clarification. My second thought about organizing online digital resources was that I have a safe place to keep my bookmarks. Over the summer, our work computers are ghosted and all information in the C-drive is deleted. Furthermore, collaboratively creating and managing tags with other educators gives a sense of community within each subject.

On the contrary, Web-sites may be labeled with different tags than I would use or someone may misrepresent a topic of interest. That can create a challenge! With the latter in mind, more common tag names are the best choice for effectively guiding viewers to a refined search.

Thing 18-Building Your Personal Learning Network

2009-12-15T20:58:00.000-08:00

In regards to personal learning networks, I am very grateful for the people who join them. They engage themselves in specific topics and get answers from other people in the field. Ideas, thoughts, and suggestions are shared by people of all experience levels. With a forum, the reader may need to further investigate the answer if doubt plays a part. I encourage all readers to continue researching the answer.

On a positive note, personal learning networks are a great way to further your knowledge on topics of your choice. I did locate some useful resources on mel.org in a search for music education. From the latter website, I read forums on the MENC Web-site for about 45-minutes while completing this assignment. It was interesting to read the questions posed and the answers given.

Thing 17-More Web 2.0 Winners

2009-12-15T20:31:00.001-08:00

(image by simplerandomness) Using Web 2.0, I discovered a music site called Pandora.com. I was a fan in the first minute. In the search box, I entered Paul Simon, my favorite artist! Pandora then created a personal radio station for me. I could choose between an all Paul Simon station or Paul Simon interspersed with other similar artists. When the song plays, you can click on the thumbs up or thumbs down. With that information, Pandora narrows down your choices to a personalized radio station.

I can definitely see using this application in school. Many styles of music and many pieces or songs within each style are just a click away. Create the station of your choice and have it readily accessible to the students.

Thing 16-Teach Digital

2009-12-15T19:34:00.000-08:00

One message that was unanimously heard throughout each video were students' needs for developing their creativity through diverse and interactive means. Great! Sign them all up for a fine arts class! In all reality, on one hand I am concerned about today's youth's ability to focus over an extended time. Their video game screens move so quickly from screen to screen. And, on the other hand, they are really devote to the technology available to them. We should incorporate technology in our teaching to capture their interest and to prepare them for future endeavors.

The videos created by the students had them stating that teachers need to be more current in our teaching methods. The youth want us to change our old fashioned teaching methods. But the truth is is that great teaching is great teaching. Build a rapport with your students. Know your subject material. Be prepared. Have confidence in your students' abilities, so they, too, can learn to believe in themselves. Present each lesson in an organized manner. As I stated above, great teaching is great teaching no matter which generation you are from.

In conclusion, a balance needs to be had. In all three video's the viewer was encouraged to embrace a change in educational practices. Lecturing, referred to as outdated, is commonplace in the working world known as meetings. Although Sir Ken Robinson 'lectured' for 20 minutes, he engaged listeners with a balance of stories, intellectualism, research, and humor. In addition to incorporating technology, students need the stories, the laughter, a teacher who can sense that within a lecture, the listener needs a change of pace. Use technology. Learn the world of your students to be in touch with their interests and balance it with your best teaching techniques.

Thing 15- How to Use Podcasts in School

2009-12-14T20:03:00.001-08:00

Podcasts in the classroom are useful to supplement the concepts being taught during the lesson. With an iPod and deck, I have played podcasts for my students of musical performances and interviews with professional musicians. Although I have previously found resources on NPR and music-based Web-sites, I look forward to searching for relevant podcasts in Podcast Alley and other sources mentioned.

Fortunately, administrators have been supportive of advancing technology. I enjoy using podcasts and have used them in other ways. For instance, I record and edit our band concerts in order to create a podcast of each song performed at the concert. At the subsequent band classes, we listen to the podcasts and critique our concert performance ending with a discussion about strengths, weaknesses, and future goals. The podcasts are then placed on the band website for future listening.

The video by Katie Grassel had some useful ideas. One of my future goals is to create a podcast for my students on how to practice a new piece of music. It would contain the information needed to be gathered at the first look at the piece, such as tempo, style, time/key signatures, etc. Then I would continue with the form of the piece and the best practice techniques for each phrase and or section of music.

Thing 14-Learn About Podcasting

2009-12-13T20:46:00.001-08:00

(Image by OllieBray) I consider myself very fortunate to have the job that I do. Once I prepare the 6th grade band students with the basic instrumental musical concepts, there are so many opportunities in our band program awaiting them. One for instance, is our outstanding high school jazz department. There are three jazz bands in the high school. Knowing this, I introduce the blues and jazz styles to my 6th grade band students.

One of my favorite NPR shows is "Piano Jazz" by Marion McPartland, which airs each Saturday morning from 10-11 AM on NPR 104.1. There is a lot to be learned from listening to the great and inspiring musicians' music and life stories. Its always interesting finding out how these musicians got to where they are. Some grew up associating with the jazz greats and others had parents who supported their children's interest in music.

Dave Samuels with Alain Mallet on Piano Jazz Dave Samuels plays the vibraphone, but started out on the drums and piano. He soon chose the vibes because, to him, it was a mixture of his two favorite instruments or the best of both worlds. Students listening to this podcast would hear the sound of great musicians performing in a couple different styles of music. They would also hear the enthusiasm in Mr. Samuels' voice telling about the other great musicians he had the honor to perform and record with and meet.

"Musicians in Their Own Words" is another one of my favorite NPR shows. In the Podcast
A Musicians Guide to the Pre-Concert Warm-Up, professional musicians speak about techniques to warming up before a concert. Whether producing raspberry sounds, bird calls, or sirens, proper warm-up is necessary at the beginning of every practice session or performance. Yo-Yo-Ma's respect of his relationship with his cello, bow, and music is most impressive. As in any level of musical ability, a great sound is always a requirement whether it's the first, middle, or last note produced.

Thing 13-Sharing Your Vision

2009-12-12T08:53:00.001-08:00

Jack Stamp is music professor at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania College of Fine Arts. He promotes music education in this poignant, yet passionate presentation. Listening to his speech reminds me that teaching is more than the subject material. Teaching is about inspiring students to take pride in their work and motivating them to achieve more than they believe they can.

Slide was fun to use. Lots of creative themes for a captivating presentation. A presentation like this one would be a good introduction for a lesson on some instruments in the woodwind family.

Thing 12-Productivity Anywhere You Have a Browser

2009-12-12T08:52:00.001-08:00

I looked at each tools trying to decide which would best fit my curriculum. I was intrigued by many of the Web-sites and would like to use some of them in the future, but for now, Slide was decidedly the most useful. It was easy to use, whereas you pick your creation and upload pictures or a You Tube video to it. Its uses have quite a range from creating a photo album of a special personal event or pictures from a school event. My favorite feature was being able to upload a You Tube video and framing it. The frames ranged everywhere between an old T.V. to an outline of an iPhone.

Thing 11-Online Productivity Applications

2009-12-12T08:39:00.000-08:00

(Image by techtoggle.com) Google Docs is an on-line, web-based document that can be viewed and/or edited by invited people . The author decides when invitees have access to do editing or not.

I spent some time playing on Google Docs writing a document that I invited my sister to read and edit. Google Docs is definitely not as advanced as Microsoft Word. For instance, MS has more fonts, font sizes, and colors than GD. There are much more features on MS. On the other hand, I was impressed with GD's ease to translate the document to other languages. Not knowing any other languages, I wonder if the context remains true to translation. Furthermore, MAC users that did not have the Microsoft package installed can use Google Docs to write and save documents as opposed to the simplified MAC's Text Edit word processing program.

With Google Docs, students can't lose their homework nor can the dog eat it! If the homework is lost, another copy can be printed. Google Docs being accessed in any location is a positive for students without home computers. Working in the school or public library gives them the same word processing experience as other students who do have a home computer.

Overall, I do not see Google Docs replacing Microsoft Word. I believe that Microsoft will consistently improve their word processing features to be more advanced than Google Docs.

Thing 10-Create Your Own Wiki

2009-12-10T09:22:00.000-08:00

I have successfully created my first Wiki named "Band-FirstYear". The creative quote is one which I created and placed in the header. "Beginning Band from the Beginning" is the absolute truth about my job. The first day of class is devoted to care and maintenance of the instrument. Next, students learn how to open their cases correctly and produce their first sound on the mouthpiece.

Creating and editing the wiki was easy for me. The hard part was learning what a wiki is and how to create/edit one in Thing 9. I created the "Band-FirstYear" wiki in wikispaces.com because I was the most familiar with it from explorations during Thing 9.

In my wiki, I have already added Web-sites that explain good practice habits. I also added a link to a MENC (Music Educators National Conference) forum for band directors. I will continue to add to the "Band-FirstYear" wiki.

Thing 9-Wiki Wiki Wiki

2009-12-09T12:19:00.001-08:00

(Photo by Kable) Wait a second! On the sites that I read, the terms "quick and easy" were used to describe Wikis. I beg to differ. This task was challenging, but I seemed to have figured it out. I think.

At first, I could not figure out the difference between a blog and a wiki. I read a Wiki by tneufield.wikis.hsd.ca, which seemed more like a blog to me. There were a couple pages that described projects that the students did. For instance, they made musical instruments, whereas a couple pictures of the finished products were placed on the wiki. I would have liked to read about the directions, materials used, and students' thoughts on the project.

I then found another wiki on Wiki Spaces, which answered my question between the difference between a wiki and a blog. The site is called "5-8 Grade Math Ideas." The beginning of the wiki spelled out the differences. A web log (blog) contains posts by the author, whereas readers can only post comments on the subject material of the post. On the other hand, a wiki allows for change, whereas the 'post' is a collaborative effort. The readers can add and change information on the wiki. The "5-8 Grade Math Ideas" Wikispace wiki was well done. Many teachers offered successful activities done with students, url's for excellent Web-sites, and even educational questions were posed.

The last wiki I viewed was impressed. The dedication and pride in the students shown through the organization and thoroughness of their work. The students at westwood.wikispaces.com included excellent descriptions and links to explain all information. Because of the students, I now understand the term "virtual communication." It pertains to connecting with anyone around the world using the Internet to make phone calls, instant messaging, video conferencing, and file sharing.

Through my readings about wiki and viewing many of them, I have decided that I'd like to create a wiki for my beginning band students. The wiki would contain information to reinforce concepts learned in class, practice tips, techniques to learning difficult passages, concert critiques, and much more.

Thing 8-Locate Feeds That Interest You

2009-12-08T04:02:00.000-08:00

(Image by www.mediaups.com)

I visited Web-sites that I enjoy reading and added them to my Google Reader. As for the other Web-sites I added, I used the 'add subscription', which is truly my favorite way to search for Web-sites to add to Google Reader. My folders consist of technology, news, music, recipes, entertainment, and technology. Fortunately, I did not find anything too confusing. Yet, the only issue that was a bit confusing was that I looked for the RSS feed icon in a Web-site, not realizing that not all have an RSS feed.

I did find one unusual blog. In Blog Pulse, I typed in band director. I clicked on a blog post, which was written by a high school band student asking the question "Am I a band geek". She basically answered the question describing band students who are nerdier than her! Interesting to read what high school students are thinking...

Thing 7- Learn About RSS & Set Up a Feed Reader

2009-12-08T03:49:00.000-08:00

(icon by http://www.mediaups.com)

Wow! I always heard about RSS and explanations describing how easy it is to use. It's true! Go to your favorite Web-sites and click on RSS if it is available. Instead of you going to your favorite Web-sites to search for new information, the new information comes to your Google Reader. I like that! Plus, Google Reader places an "Add a Subscription" button at an easy to locate top left hand corner of the screen, which makes setting it up rather intuitive.

There is no time wasted searching for new information in your favorite Web-sites. RSS allows for more coverage over less time since the new information is sent to you. This means that I can read more from my favorite Web-sites in my personal and professional life in less time.

I already have RSS feeds coming to me from teaching instrumental music and band director Web-sites. This afternoon, I plan on reading the article about teaching tuba basics and listening to the pod-casts from mock clarinet auditions. I'll be extracting pertinent concepts to be shared with my students.

Thing 6-Copyright in the Digital Age

2009-12-06T07:51:00.000-08:00

Check out this bicycle and it's rider! The handle bars are quite straight with a HUGE hand brake that extends out the same length as the handle bars. Gotta love the handle bar mustache, too! The cyclist is quite well dressed with his tie tucked in his sweater and a watch attached to a chain safely tucked in his sweater pocket. His head is protected by a beanie (?) and his pants won't get caught in the chain being that they taper down to the ankle meeting riding shoes that lace up the ankle.

Meet Elihu Vedder (1836-1923), an American born artist who also studied in Europe. His paintings were primarily of dreams and fantasies.

Why a picture of Mr. Vedder? Because I can. Under the copyright law of PUBLIC DOMAIN there are pictures, slogans, facts, and government documents that are non-copyrightable. These pictures can be used without worrying about copying infringement. Use the pictures on your blog, in your classroom, or even on your Web-site. The Smithsonian Institution Photostream is a great source for noncopyrighted pictures:

http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=bicycle&w=25053835%40N03

According to the law of Public Domain, pictures taken before 1923 have expired copyrights. This picture is from 1910 and taken by an unknown artist, so I can use it without breaking any copyright laws. You can also use pictures from 1923-1963 that were not publicly renewed. You can read more about the law at this Web-site:

http://www.teachingcopyright.org/handout/public-domain-faq

I will be incorporating more pictures into my teaching practice. These non-copyrighted pictures could be used to show students how instruments have evolved from decades ago until now. For example, many keys on woodwind instruments have been moved around. The low notes on the saxophones were on the left side of the bell in the 1930's, but presently are on the right side of the bell. It'd also be interesting for students to see early military bands with their large, trumpet-like looking brass instruments. These pictures could be placed on my school Web-site and hung in my classroom.

From this assignment, I learned a lot about pictures' copyrights. I wasn't aware that a Public Domain existed. I also learned a lot from The Fair Use document, whereas information gathered through the Internet or other creative sources can be used for educational purposes with the copyright laws being flexible.

What I have learned that has now been challenged is the use of movie clips. I thought I couldn't use movie clips in a DVD (movie) compilation, but I can as long as there is a conducive educational reason for my choice to use the particular clips. Overall, it is comforting to know that there are educators from around the US meeting to discuss these Fair Use practices. I look forward to learning more about Fair Use through my copyright journey.

Thing 5- Mash Up

2009-12-03T17:59:00.000-08:00

Honestly...this Mash Up assignment was more fun than expected! I am amazed at how many creative, interesting, and useful web applications are available. It was a hard decision between the crossword puzzle, the billboard, and the movie poster. One day, I will use the others, but for now, the movie poster most intrigued me.

Throughout the school year, I take pictures of my students in all of their band events and short movies of them rehearsing or performing. I put together a movie presentation of the year, which is shown at the end of the spring concert. The movie poster is an intriguing way to remind students and parents of the spring concert, as opposed to the uninteresting Word document. You may be wondering, 'Why the t-shirt?" That is the t-shirt that all the band students wear to the concert. Using the t-shirt in the poster will really catch their attention!

The are so many other uses for photo mash up, especially in my personal life. For instance, the cartoon captions placed above people's head in a picture could be used as an invitation to a party. The crossword puzzle would be fun to create for family and friends using topics of interest to them. The Framer is good for accentuating photos. Furthermore, the calendar creation gives personalization to a calendar using photos related to their lives. I am so impressed with the endless ideas, but for now, I'll need to move onto Thing 6.

Thing 4-Photo Sharing

2009-11-09T19:06:00.000-08:00

I would use photo-sharing sights and other related photo-resources in my teaching and learning as a means of giving the students a broader sense of the topics being taught. If the students are studying the history of a specific city or country, a slide show presentation of the famous sights being studied can be created. To take it a step further, the sights can be added to places and maps using Google Maps. That is impressive! Furthermore, in a performing ensemble class, photos of architecture and paintings can be shown to further enhance the music being practiced or the places where the composer lived. Students enjoy multi-media in the classroom. Incorporating a form, styles, in the arts approach broadens students understanding of the concepts being studied. How do you get permission to use the photo? Do you email the photographer asking for permission?

Thing 3

2009-11-09T17:51:00.000-08:00

The 7 1/2 Habits of Highly Effective Learners was interesting and holds truth. Each habit brought on a series of thoughts to me, but two of the habits truly made a statement. The easiest habit for me is PLAY. I take pride in my effectiveness at play and I do feel that I am quite good at it! The hours fly by as I play on the computer reading blogs and Web-sites related to my profession and other areas of interest. My favorite adventure regarding technology is creating movies. I take pictures of my students and record movies and sounds within the classroom. At the end of the year, I put together a video slide show adding music and recordings of the students speaking about their thoughts pertaining to the information they have learned through out the year.

The hardest habit for me that causes the most challenge is to HAVE CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF AS A COMPETENT, EFFECTIVE LEARNER. As I take technology classes and ask many questions, I feel that I am becoming more and more comfortable with all that computers offer. I remember back in the late-1990's attending graduate school. Although I just bought my first computer prior to grad school, I lived an active lifestyle of teaching and bicycling, whereas technology was the furthest thought from my mind. I was overwhelmed with the amount of computer programs I was required to learn at grad school. The programs consisted of your basic PC Microsoft Office package and the ones required for the assessment and statistics class. Ten years later much technology has been learned! The biggest strides were made with the purchase of an Apple computer and gradually incorporating some of the programs into my professional and personal life.

Thing 2

2009-11-05T21:13:00.000-08:00

A good blog has to have an aesthetic value that first attracts the reader's interest. The colors, pictures, and layout gives the first impression of the organization of the blog. The reader then begins reading the blog in hopes that new information will be learned that has value for future usage or possibly the information challenges his/her already existent knowledge. Furthermore, a good blog connects the reader to other people that would normally not be met, yet do share the same interests. Comments posted offer additional insight into the information that the blogger wrote about by expounding on the original topic.

A blog could enhance an existing school Web-site by getting school news quicker to parents as opposed to waiting for the school newsletter to be taken home or posted on the school website. Additionally, parents can share their insight about an event. For instance, the PTO can communicate effectively with parents through a website about the upcoming school fundraiser. Reminders can be blogged by the PTO members, as well as the outcome of the event. Also, a school blog allows for sharing of information, such as educational Internet sites, musical performances, or sports events.

I do believe that blogs are an easier way for people to self-publish. I have been reading a blog for about a year, whereas the author's goal is to get her first book published. The publishing company told her to create a blog and connect with a large audience. She has done both and in the meantime, was asked to write a chapter in a book of memoirs. The blogger clearly shares her intent with her readers in hopes that one day when her book is published we will purchase it and share the news with others. Her blog is read by readers around the world, which makes the comment sections quite interesting, thought provoking, and informative.

My initial thoughts about the Web 2.0 have remained the same being that I am still excited to learn how to use it effectively. I was surprised how easy it was to set up a blog, though. But overall, it is quit strange to think that I won't know who reads my blog unless a comment is posted.

23 Things-The First Thing

2009-11-05T20:03:00.000-08:00

I hope to learn how to do all the assignments at a level where I can incorporate them into my classroom and personal life. I have heard about most of the items listed in the curriculum through other sources and now am looking forward to actually understanding and using them.