“Blogging helps student musicians learn to think critically about their work and evaluate their performance.” – @LindsayMorelli
The #MusEdChat on June 21st, 2010 discussed how music educators use or could use blogs, podcasts and wikis in the music classroom. The topic for the evening was suggested by @katiesw1.
Blogs
Many of the participants saw the benefit of using blogs in the classroom. Some teachers use blogs instead of writing projects for their students in general music. This allows them to put their writing in an environment where their peers can comment on it. @thomasjwest uses blogs to offer challenges in order to keep his students practicing their instruments over the summer. In addition to practical uses of blogs in the classroom, music educators also discussed multiple benefits to having students participate in blogs. @palmerjosh thought that one of the benefits is getting students used to using technology. @Zweibz7 said,”One benefit to having students write blog posts is that parents can subscribe via email and be automatically kept informed!” This also has benefits for the teacher. When students blog an assignment, it is instantly archived so that the teacher can store it and use these archives to grade the projects. @jimfrankel also stated that when students realize their work is being read, they put more effort into their assignment. Music educators had mixed feelings about whether blog assignments should be done in class or as homework. Some felt that students should be given class time to complete such assignments, especially if they did not have a computer or internet connection at home. Along the same lines, some teachers felt that students already have too much homework. On the other hand, some of the participants thought that music class should be more about making music, and the blogs should be used as more of a reflection tool.
The #MusEdChat participants then began discussing how you can incorporate blogs into performing ensembles. Most felt that blogs were most effectively used as reflection tools for rehearsals. Students can get on the blog and discuss with each other how they felt rehearsal went, what they need to work on, etc. Students can do the same with performance critique using blogs. It could also be used to log rehearsal notes if students have to miss rehearsal.
Podcasts
Many of the participants have experience using podcasts with their students. @shawdave stated,” Yes to podcasting here. Announcements, recordings, will expand to student-produced interviews this year.” He also suggested having his students record assignments on their iPods, and then he would subscribe to their feeds. The idea was thrown out by @LindsayMorelli to podcast rehearsals for students who miss, or to use as general review. Teachers also cited the importance of developing followers of podcasts.
Wikis
Many teachers use and have ideas involving wikis. @CaseyMcCann said,” My goal is to create a comprehensive wiki that my teachers can use as a resource for different technical and curricular needs. It was also suggested to have a student-driven wiki where they are teaching each other various songs and aspects of music. Others stated that wikis help students to review information and draw connections between multiple topics. They also serve as a great way for students to communicate about what they are learning in general. Many of the participants were torn between wikis and Google Docs, as they both offer essentially the same collaborative nature for students. @musiccargirl14 suggested only using wikis for higher grade levels. When choosing between using a blog or a wiki, @gleneaglemusic said,” They’re different spaces: a blog is more of a publisher. Wiki is a collaborative tool (as well as presentation)
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