By Julie M. Sueta
I. DEFINITION: Blended Learning may be defined as “an education program, formal or informal, which combines online digital media with traditional classroom methods.”
Variations or synonyms include: “hybrid learning,” “technology-mediated instruction” and “web-enhanced instruction” as well as many others. These terms, many times are used interchangeably.
II. BLENDED LEARNING SUPPORTS:
A. STUDENT INDEPENDENCE – The necessity for students to work independently both in and out of the classroom.
1. In the classroom, students receive teacher support while using technology.
2. Out of the classroom, students work independently, incorporating, the guidelines incorporated by their teacher.
3. Students retain more and have more success if they practice at home. Even a little bit of home practice is of great benefit.
B. STUDENT RESPONSIBILITY – Students take on more responsibility for their own success.
1. Assigning student responsibility is important because students have the ability to work at their own pace.
2. Students are required to exercise a good amount of self governance.
3. Students can control the when, where and how, taking into account, family emergencies, sports and other activity related obligations.
C. STUDENT SELF CONFIDENCE
1. Having students take partial responsibility for their own learning results in better self awareness and more self confidence.
2. More self confidence perpetuates more independent learning and will transfer to other subjects. Students are more invested in the learning process.
D. HOW DOES THE TEACHER BENEFIT FROM IMPLEMENTING THE ONLINE PROGRAM OF BE A RECORDER STAR?
1. The online version of Be A Recorder Star allows teachers to incorporate technology into their recorder instruction both in and out of the classroom.
2. Teacher License (School Site License)
a. Flexibility
i. The teacher license may be used with a Smartboard, whiteboard, projector, laptop or Apple TV.
ii. The varied access options ensure that teachers are able to utilize the program as long as internet access is available. It is important to note that the printed content and the online content are the same so even if students do not have internet access, they will be working with the same content.
b. Features
i. The tempo controls for both the embedded accompaniments and the Rhythm Charts ensure that individual classes can work at their own pace. This is particularly helpful when learning continues outside the classroom.
ii. The Music Theory Review Pages comply with SOLs, national, state and district standards and serve as a mechanism to standardize assessment so that all students may be graded on the same criteria. If students have the online version, they may email the assignments directly to the teacher.
iii. Tool Tips serve to provide cultural perspectives and composer information and aid in creating an interdisciplinary connection.
E. WHY STUDENT CODES?
1. It’s easy and it’s fun!
2. Affordable package pricing:
$5.95 Student Code
$7.95 Student Code & Kingsley Recorder
$9.95 Student Code, Printed Book & Kingsley Recorder
3. Digital Age – Students have grown up using computers and devices and are excited to learn in the manner in which they have become accustomed. Accessing information through a digital device motivates home practice and exploration. The teacher should designate focal points for student guidance.
4. Flexibility – Student codes can be used for recorder centers, as a whole class or divide the class into teams. Options for access include tablets – ie: iPads, Chromebooks, student computers (not for use with smartphones)
5. Multi-device Access – Each student will have access on two devices so they may use both a school and home device. Be A Recorder Star is ideal for 1:1 initiatives.
6. No Student Privacy Concerns: Since students do not create an account or supply personal information, there are no privacy concerns. Students simply enter a code to access the dedicated website. We maintain privacy agreements with many school districts and states and are happy to talk with the Technology Department.
7. Features:
a. Tempo controls support the central goal of having students work independently. The controls enable students to work at their own pace and to proceed more quickly when playing a song, rhythm chart or performing an exercise that they have mastered.
b. Accompaniments provide support and melody lines which enable students to practice independently from the start.
c. Music Theory Review Pages may be used as homework assignments. Students may complete the pages either at home or in class and email the results to their teacher. Music Theory Review Pages are ideal for standards compliance.
d. Tool tips provide historical and cultural background information which serve as a catalyst for further independent exploration of prominent figures/composers, time periods, countries and cultures.
e. Spanish Language Translation: The online program contains a Spanish toggle key which provides access to Be A Recorder Star in Spanish. Offering Be A Recorder Star in Spanish makes learning recorder more inclusive. Spanish-speaking students will enjoy an enhanced comfort level and dual language classes can easily reference the English and Spanish versions. It is also helpful that Spanish-speaking parents can be included in their child’s musical development. The dual language feature opens the possibility of utilizing Dual Language and ESL budget monies for your recorder program. The online also may enable you to use Technology Funds.
SHARE POST
