Inquiry Based Activities

This week in TPTE we focused on a website inquiry based activity.  We began by finding topics in textbooks that are approved to be used in the state of Tennessee.  We then had to find a website that could be used to teach our lesson to students.  I used an 8th grade general music book to help guide my subject topic.  After deciding to do my lesson on Japanese percussion instruments, I found websites that were appropriate for my age group.
After we decided which questions we would use for the students to research, we began to create the assignment pages.  We used Microsoft Word to create a hard copy worksheet for student use in a classroom setting.  Then, using our wiki site, we created a page for teacher usage that listed the questions and answers that aligned with the worksheet. This helped me understand that good quality formatting for the internet is different from formatting for printed text.
I enjoyed this activity because it helped me understand the differences between printed text and text on the internet.  It also opened my eyes to the possibilities that are available now with technology.  This could be a really fun activity for students, and it is a different way of learning that they can enjoy.  Website inquiry is something that I will remember for future use in my classroom.

Wikis and Rock Stars

This week was about discussing wikis in greater detail.  We completed an assignment called "Rock Stars".  We split into small groups and researched gems.  Each group had to arrange a page on a wiki site and present our findings to the class.  My partner and I choose to do Moonstone.  After researching it, we created our page.  We put in our information and decorated the page with some photos of the gem.  We then put a link to the home page at the bottom of our page.
This assignment helped me feel more comfortable using a wiki.  I am now able to see all of the uses a wiki can serve in a class.  It can be used for students to place what they have learned on their own page.  It can also be used for students to present their findings to the class.  This way, the students have all the information they need on one site, thus giving the class an easy "study guide" at their fingertips.  A wiki would be an excellent way to have a class complete a project.  For music, it could be used for students to do a project about composers, styles of music, or music history.  I would definitely consider using a wiki in my music classes.

Second Post

This week we learned about WebQuest.  I have never used WebQuest before, so it was interesting to see what that has to offer.  It offers good projects and activity ideas for students in every subject.
We also reviewed a website previously this week.  I found an educational music website for young students.  It was very informative and interactive.  It is something that could be useful to a general music classroom.  I will definitely remember it if I ever teach in the elementary grade levels.
It was a good assignment to review a website because it helps us consciously evaluate a websites for potential use in a classroom.  It is important to have quality websites with accurate information, appropriate content, and quality visuals for our students.  I will remember to always look for the best quality websites for classroom use.

TPTE Course Expectations

This is my first post for TPTE 486!  I am excited to be learning uses of technology in a classroom setting.  I believe this class will be beneficial.  I expect that we will use blogs, wikis, and other websites in this class to expand our ways of reaching out to students, parents, and other teachers.
As someone preparing to teach music, I think that the internet is one of my most valuable tools.  I use it daily to research things and to listen to pieces of music.  I also use the internet and other technology to stay organized and up to date on current things in the music world.  I think this class will  help me expand my horizons as I learn how to use technology in classroom settings.