By having students rehearse together, document with audio and / or video, and create some written or electronic response, students can continue making music even when you are not on the podium. Most every ensemble class contains several students who could lead the ensemble in music that has been learned to the point at which students can play through. Pro-tip: by spending a few minutes each week coaching students in conducting and empowering them to lead the ensemble when you are present, you begin to create a culture in which they take greater responsibility for their own learning and performance.
If your students have access to technology in class, the wealth of free and inexpensive online learning and music creation platforms can allow them to explore new content even if you are not in the room. Even in a one-computer type classroom, students can do a webquest together or explore a series of relevant videos as long as you have a projector.
Tools
In an environment where students will be able to continue music outside of school, or you have enough devices in school, a Learning Management System will really help keep things organized. Unlike a plain website, any of these tools will enable you to post assignments in a secure online classroom, and allow students to submit projects. With school sponsorship, you might be able to use Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas, Haiku, Schoology, or Google Classroom. Edmodo does not require school sponsorship. MusicFirst provides an integrated LMS environment with online recording, music learning, creation, and assessment tools built right in.
If access to an LMS is out of the question, students probably can access some basic tools like email, Skype / FaceTime, Google Docs & Slides, Word docs, PowerPoint, and audio / video recordings. Asking students to use these tools will require more organization on your part. Posting assignments and links to a website is just the beginning. You will need to have a way to collect and monitor student submissions using email, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
Getting Started
Start small! First, consider the kinds of activities that your students do during and outside of class. Chances are that you already use some flipped or blended learning strategies. The next step is to try using one new asynchronous strategy with one class or grade level to get the hang of it.
Do you have a school-sponsored website? That’ s a great place to post links to resources students may need when practicing at home, like online metronomes, tuners, and quality recordings of music they are learning. Post assignments for students who may be absent, and links for students to use if you know that you will be absent.
Ask your school media specialist, principal, or technology coach if the school offers access to an LMS. Explain that you would like to use technology to support flipped classroom and blended learning strategies. Likely, they will be thrilled to help you get started. If you begin now, you’ ll have no worries about leaving meaningful activities for your students when you attend the NAfME Eastern Division Conference in Atlantic City in April!
ELEMENTARY MUSIC INSTRUCTION FIT FOR A KID!
Introducing MusicFirst Junior, a fun, friendly, and easy-to-use online system for teaching elementary music. Using iPads, Chromebooks, or any device able to run a standard web browser, MusicFirst Junior gives elementary students instant access to music learning tools and learning content relevant to their level, matched with kid-friendly graphics and age-appropriate curriculum. But most of all, MusicFirst Junior makes learning and creating music fun!
The MusicFirst Junior Dashboard
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