Sunday, July 5, 2009

Curriculum Map for new Music Technology class--Part 1

This is for a new middle school music technology class that I am starting in the fall. I have a set of 18 aging Win2000 desktops plus my personal WinXP laptop and my school issued Win2000 laptop (supposed to be replaced this summer, knock on wood!). We do have internet access and because these computers (with the exception of the school laptop) are mine (scavenged, purchased, donated and maintained by me) they are not locked down except for the district filtering software.

I previously purchased 20 copies and installed the older version of Super Duper Music Looper onto all of the computers, so that is available. I have asked that no more than 20 students be enrolled in the class, but considering how things work at my school, that number will probably be higher. I would prefer to keep it as close to 1 to 1 during class, but I will just have to wait and see.

Our school is 98% free and reduced lunch so most of my kids don't have a computer/internet at home. Our tech ed program was dropped two years ago by a previous principal so the students don't get much technology at school, so I would like to work on technology literacy in addition to music technology.

We have 45 min. class periods, 5 days a week, and this will be a semester class (18 weeks). There is no budget money for this class so I'm trying to do this with free software and on the web.

The ultimate product for each student (or possibly teams of students) in this class is a 1-3 minute video using music composed by the students and pictures/video (Creative Commons/Fair Use) found or created by the students. This will be uploaded to a class wiki and shared with the class. Other projects will be considered as the students' interests and time allow.

These are some of the resources that I've found so far and my current thoughts on using them. I would appreciate any comments, thoughts, tips, or ideas.


1. Pre-assessment of skills

TRAILS: Tool for Real-time Assessment of Information Literacy Skills

I will use this to assess what info literacy skills my students have. Hopefully, results from this will help to determine which Literacy Skills we need to focus on.


2. Basic Internet skills
Welcome to the Web

Well done, interactive site w/worksheets. Starts at the very beginning and works through basic skills. Detective challenge at the end. Pages can be resumed using pin codes. Suitable for grades 3-8.
http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/welcome/start.htm
3.  Literacy Skills

Depending on the results from the pre-assessment above, I will use some or all of the above to build skills. I will probably use these as whole class activities. They have large and small group activities and discussion questions.

Other resources that I've found and will possibly make use of:
Tech Literacy (this page was made with Cluster, a nifty Firefox add-on)

4. Bridging Activity--from Copyright to Composition

MBYTES

doodle.png  on Aviary

This is a great interactive site for understanding copyright and licensing using the tools that we will use in music tech class. Students use a fairly simple looping interface to create their own short songs. They can then assign licenses from completely free to for sale to others on the site. Users are assigned 200 credits to use for purchasing the loops for use in remixes or downloads. There are also videos and activities for discussing copyright, fair use, and intellectual property.


5. Online Music Apps

BBC OneStudio Sequencer

Pros: over 1,000 free downloadable music samples. Easy to use, 4 track sequencer.

Cons: Sequenced music file isn't downloadable, but can be emailed. Sequencer may be too simple to produce the best quality tracks. Also, site is no longer updated, so I don't know how long it will be up.

Philharmonia Orchestra Sequencer

Pros: Downloadable samples and free sequence software in addition to online sequencer. Lots of information/background on creating/composing, samples, and the orchestra. Online remixing of pre-existing compositions. Remixes can be saved (email required).

Cons: I don't see any way to download the online remixes that are created. The music samples are all orchestral (not my students favorite genre).


JamStudio

Pros: Lots of pop/rock/country instruments available. Can even record vocals.

Cons: Students must input chords, might need help with chord patterns. $4.95 per month per account. Can apply for grant program (none are available at present). Grants run out at the end of the school year.

Other Online Music Apps resources.


That concludes Part 1. I'll post later next week with my thoughts on freeware programs and other resources for creating the student presentations.

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