PLN: Twitter

I believe that Twitter is a great way to network.  If I were to go through one of my friends' lists and added people, I would be able to hear from so many different people.  All of these people would tweet ideas, and I would be able to get more ideas from them.  This would also be good if there is a job opportunity somewhere in the area.  In just 2 seconds, someone could tweet a post that can be so helpful and informal to everyone.  Twitter could be helpful not only to teachers, but also to students.  Since students are also checking twitter, a teacher can easily tweet the students information.  This could also be a good way to remind students of homework or events that are coming up.  Overall, twitter can be very helpful to everyone who chooses to use it.

Backward Learning

This week's reading for Foundations of Music Education on backward learning really inspired me.  I had never thought about a lesson starting from the end.  By setting a goal first, I will be able to successfully teach things that I want to with a purpose.  After the goal, I will make my assessments.  I really like this idea of forming the assessment before the lesson.  It seems like it will be easier to teach when I know what I will be assessing.  Now, after having done the reading, I cannot imagine any teacher not planning the assessments beforehand.  It seems nearly impossible to teach something when you have no idea as to where you are going.  Using the backward learning system will help all teachers, as well as the students, to stay focused and on task.  Having all of this in mind, it will be so much easier to create lessons using technology.  If I start my lesson plan from the end, I will successfully teach students or give them a project using technology the proper way.

Ringtone

Here is a ringtone that I have made.  I hope you all enjoy it! :)

Hear my ringtone!

Time to learn about Rock Music!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_ClyHFlGycw5OQPWkwoBFvwXyntaO13X9p2zegZlfSQ/viewform

PLN: Blogs

Although I have never blogged before, I am excited to start blogging.  One reason I am excited about blogging is that I will be able to read about other people's thoughts and have them read mine.  This style of PLN varies from others because it is interactive with other people and can be about topics that I have a lot to say about.  I will be able to say what I am thinking or what I have learned in detail.  Through blogging, I can also meet other educators.  It will be interesting conversing with them about relevant, music related topics.

Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK)

Learning about TPACK made this major and career very real for me.  Reading about how I need to incorporate technology, pedagogy, and content into teaching has made me realize how much I still need to learn!  I never realized how much technology could help with teaching music.  I have used technology only a little regarding music but mostly only for software to compose.  Teaching and using technology to share information will be very important.  Keeping up to date with technology and new teaching styles will also be very important.  I am beginning to realize that I will have to be flexible and open to learning new teaching techniques in different ways.  As much as I really do need to learn about all three areas concerning TPACK, reading about this makes me more and more excited to start my journey to become a successful music teacher.

Personal Learning Networks (PLN)

I found this article to be very interesting.  One key point that is talked about is how social media and blogging can be a powerful way to learn.  I have never considered to use twitter, facebook, or my email as a mean to teach and learn from others.  Another thing I look forward to using is a blog.  I know that this will be a powerful way to hear other people's opinions about topics that I am curious about.  I cannot wait to use all of the different resources to learn about music education!