Teaching Music with Technology at Coe Elementary
Posted by Gary on June 5, 2008 in Music, Teacher Voices
Teaching Music with Technology
Ken Pendergrass’ music class at Coe Elementary uses all the “regular” tools for teaching music: textbooks, drums, chimes, electric and acoustic guitars, and an old piano. But, once class begins he incorporates some new tools into his instruction, a presentation station with a multimedia computer, and a cart containing 16 “multimedia” laptops.
For Mr. Pendergrass’ students class often begins with a simple mini-lesson using the presentation station. For example, with his students gathered around he uses a music editing program called GarageBand on the computer with a projector to help the students visualize and understand the concept of form in music, specifically a “Rondo” and “ABA” pattern. After the mini-lesson, students to create their own Rondo examples using the same music editing program on a laptop. Their excitement is evident as students collaborate as they create their compositions. Once the students have completed their task, they save and transfer their work to the school server. The server storage allows Mr. Pendergrass easy access to review, share, and assess the students’ work.
“This biggest thing for me is giving hands-on access for the kids…to create music like they listen to…their motivation shoots out the roof.”
To listen Mr. Pendergrass’ interview, click the following movie.
June 20th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Hey Ken,
Way to go you talented music man!
Terri
VR
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:09 am
[...] I was recently interviewed by one of our district Instructional Technology teachers here in Seattle about my use of technology in the general music classroom. You can watch the video below, or read the short blog post at the Seattle Public Schools Instructional Technology Blog. [...]