Blending Music and Literacy Through Technology

October 23rd, 2007

On October 12th I presented a workshop entitled “Blending Music and Literacy Through Technology”.  In the presentation I share my philosophy on integration and my journey into technology and literacy integration in the elementary music classroom. Bob Sprankle has podcast my presentation. Thanks Bob! It can be viewed at Bob Sprankle’s Bit by Bit website. Download  You’ll also find pictures, my powerpoint presentation, and handouts at http://www.bobsprankle.com/bitbybit_wordpress/

I Want to Know…

October 15th, 2007

How do YOU integrate technology into your classroom? What are your favorite websites, software, freeware programs…Kate wants to know!

In the beginning…

October 15th, 2007

I have taught music since 1998, first at a private Catholic School and now at a public elementary school. Prior to 2005, technology integration in my room was defined as using CD and DVD players, a TV, a projector and an overhead. I had a computer but I used it for emails and word processing. In 2005, I took a class at the University of Southern Maine and it changed my teaching. The class, Creative Music Technology, allowed me to experience new software programs, network with other music teachers, and envision how technology integration could increase children’s experience and understanding of music. I also wanted to find a way to integrate literacy into my music room in a way that would not detract from my main purpose- giving children authentic opportunities to experience music. After exploring several programs, I decided I liked the options Garageband offered. It was easy to use, inexpensive (if you owned an Apple computer) and had limitless possibilities. Over the next two years, I wrote over twenty elementary music lessons in which we used Garageband to create child-centered, language-rich, music and literacy projects. In my next few posts, I will describe each one and invite you to comment on my journey!

Music Education and Web 2.0

October 13th, 2007

Greetings all! I am an elementary music teacher in Southern Maine. I am very interested in bringing web 2.0 technology into my classroom. I firmly believe amazing things can happen when you integrate music and literacy with technology. I will be documenting my integration journey on this site and hope that others will listen, comment and help me grow. You’ll see that in order to become 2.0, I needed to first enter the world of 1.0!