My classroom is very flexible. It can be a theater to critique performances or learn about music from all parts the world. Students sing, dance and perform on many different instruments that are easily accessible around the room. The SmartBoard is a great interactive tool for students to play games, read/write music. We perform in large groups, small groups and have soloists share their talents from the small grey stage in the front of the room.
I love my blue USB switch. It allows me to switch easily from my government issued computer, to my own personal computer, games on my iPad or to my MacBook Pro. Each computer has something different to offer my students. All computers are connected to the overhead projector via the USB switch.
This is command central. The left monitor shows what is being projected to the SmartBoard. The Right monitor is connected to the government issued computer. The government computer is CAC card protected, monitored, and has a filtered internet. The government computer has many restrictions: many peripherals are not allowed. Most music software can't be installed on it, many websites are blocked. The computer on the floor is my own personal computer. I have complete control of it.
This is my keyboard. It is placed on an old computer wheeled cart. It is easily rolled anywhere in the school. When my students or I are not using it, I roll it out of the way, under the table beside it.
My wheeled podium can be rolled anywhere and has a wireless connection to my computers across the room. Students prefer it over the Smartboard when giving presentations.
My iPod has videos and music games for students to play. The monitor you see here is connected to my government issued computer. I have the students' seating chart and Outlook is open, but minimized, so I can get instant messages from colleagues throughout the day. If there is a need for us to go to an internet website or do a Google search, we can do it together immediately by switching to this computer. Notice the gray risers in the back of the room. They are used when we are in the final stages of choral singing.
I teach almost 800 students at Netzaberg Elementary School.
Because I see my students so little on a 6 day cycle,
I have set up many activities online (flipped classroom).
N.E.S. Music Website
Because I see my students so little on a 6 day cycle,
I have set up many activities online (flipped classroom).
N.E.S. Music Website
Music is a performing art.
What we do in the classroom does not stay in the classroom.
We practice so we can perform.
Below are pictures of my students performing - sharing their talents with others.
What did I learn from reading Rethinking Technology & Creativity in the 21st Century: A Room of Their Own?
Educational Technologists can model and suggest ideas to a classroom teacher, but the classroom teacher will decide what technologies are useful to them in their subjects and how they want to set up their classroom space.
Educational Technologists can model and suggest ideas to a classroom teacher, but the classroom teacher will decide what technologies are useful to them in their subjects and how they want to set up their classroom space.
Professional Life
I feel I am using my space correctly in my professional life. Often I ask myself, “What do I want to get accomplished? How can I get this done with the tools, financial limitations and the abilities I possess?” After 39 years of teaching, modern technologies have brought a new set of tools to solve the problems I encounter. I am constantly looking for new technologies that will improve my classroom environment and encourage student creativity. Everything is always a work in progress. These constant improvements have paid great dividends over time. The possibilities are endless.
My online flipped classroom games and activities were created, linked and uploaded to my website from many locations. These links are used in my music room, classrooms throughout the school, or after hours when the children have returned home where they play music games, practice their recorder, sing songs, and dance along using my action videos. Many of my military students who have moved to other parts of the world stay in contact with me via my website. The space I use is accomplishing what needs to be done.
Personal Life
I feel I am already using my space correctly in my personal life. Modern technologies have made my life richer. Twenty years ago, while living on the islands of Saipan and Guam, life was lonely and remote. Today I contact my children and grandchildren often. I communicate with my 86-year-old mother-in-law and my 96-year-old mother via email, Facebook, and SKYPE while I lounge in my Lay Z Boy here in Germany. I create and upload videos of myself singing, reading stories, then share them with family that live in Okinawa, Japan or back in the states. They hear my voice, see my face with a click of the mouse. It is not as good as being there, but my grandchildren, family and friends accept me immediately when I return home to Iowa for the summer. The space I use is accomplishing what needs to be done.
I feel I am using my space correctly in my professional life. Often I ask myself, “What do I want to get accomplished? How can I get this done with the tools, financial limitations and the abilities I possess?” After 39 years of teaching, modern technologies have brought a new set of tools to solve the problems I encounter. I am constantly looking for new technologies that will improve my classroom environment and encourage student creativity. Everything is always a work in progress. These constant improvements have paid great dividends over time. The possibilities are endless.
My online flipped classroom games and activities were created, linked and uploaded to my website from many locations. These links are used in my music room, classrooms throughout the school, or after hours when the children have returned home where they play music games, practice their recorder, sing songs, and dance along using my action videos. Many of my military students who have moved to other parts of the world stay in contact with me via my website. The space I use is accomplishing what needs to be done.
Personal Life
I feel I am already using my space correctly in my personal life. Modern technologies have made my life richer. Twenty years ago, while living on the islands of Saipan and Guam, life was lonely and remote. Today I contact my children and grandchildren often. I communicate with my 86-year-old mother-in-law and my 96-year-old mother via email, Facebook, and SKYPE while I lounge in my Lay Z Boy here in Germany. I create and upload videos of myself singing, reading stories, then share them with family that live in Okinawa, Japan or back in the states. They hear my voice, see my face with a click of the mouse. It is not as good as being there, but my grandchildren, family and friends accept me immediately when I return home to Iowa for the summer. The space I use is accomplishing what needs to be done.
LIFE IS GOOD!!!