Jen’s Blog

I have just been looking through some of Shirley’s old posts and came across her critique of one of my posts earlier on in my blogging. She reminded me of the importance of considering the appropriateness of resources for the kids we are teaching. I have become so excited about the wide range of resources available I think this was a helpful reminder before dosing my students with inappropriate things!

One point Shirley raises is that many resources for primary students are aimed at upper primary. There are very few for younger kids. I started thinking about how you could incorporate technology for them.

I then remembered LAMS!!!!!!! I have become excited remembering this wonderful tool and could see many benefits in using this to construct my own online learning experiences incorporating relevant parts of the technology available, but constructing an age appropriate, valid learning experience for kids!

I’ve just read Cassie’s thoughtful post, Aquiram’s thoughts explored. She summarises some of the points in the post and particularly raises the point of teachers using technology to finalise papers and provide opportunities for plagarism.

I remember back in primary school how easy it was to plagarise off the internet. I think the mentality is “why reword it when it sounds good already”, or even “I have no idea how to reword it”. This is a struggle many kids go through, but it is a necessary skill to learn. I like how Aquiram states that teachers need to structure lessons online so that students can’t plagarise and learn how to reword and summarise things!

(Image source: http://www.cartoonstock.com/lowres/aba0039l.jpg)

I have chosen to do a particular focus on the use of ICT in music education. I thought to begin my process of focussing on this I’d have a look at what interactive music websites are available for kids. There are many! I had a look at the curriculum support website and found a number of NSW DET supported websites. I’ve seen a number of these before and have liked what is there. I had a particularly good look at the Viva Zone website.

Musica Viva is an organisation which employs professional musicians to come and perform to children in schools. Teachers are given packs and attend workshops and then teach a unit to the children culminating in a live performance. The Viva Zone website is designed with children in mind to support teachers in this unit. It addresses all the key elements of music, pitch, tone colour, dynamics, tempo and rhythm in a child friendly way. Kids can play games and learn about real musicians.

Check it out!   (Make sure you have your sound turned up!)