Dafna’s Music Activity
1. Based on the resources available, how might Dafna organize this activity?
Dafna wants to provide a wonderful, engaging activity that encourages collaboration, innovation, critical thinking and decision making through music literacy, however resources are minimal. There are eight students who need to share five guitars, four iMac computers, her video camera and tripod which she is making available to the students. Ten mini-DV cassettes have been approved by her director. From this information one can assess that she have made this project known to her principal (director). There is no mention that the School Board has been made aware of this project to possible support her with equipment.
The IRPs for Composition and Technology 11 and 12 states, “Teachers who want to offer students experiences with a variety of materials and processes but who are unable to purchase all the necessary equipment may be able to use specialized equipment from other departments in the school or district. Local colleges, television and radio broadcasters or studios, and businesses are other possible sources.”
Dafne should explore these options mentioned in the IRP to hopefully attain more equipment to facilitate her project running as smoothly as it can. If this proves unsuccessful then she will need to enlist the help of the students to problem solve how to share the existing equipment or perhaps, if possible have them bring in their own.
2. How might she disseminate the music videos, once created?
Dafne could have a sharing time in class for the students to present their videos and share comments and thoughts about the process and final product. She could then put the videos on the school web site (virtual classroom). Dafne could also arrange a time to have the students present them to other students, administration, parents, and possibly school trustees and board members. This could prove successful and a reason for the board to invest in more equipment for the success of the music program. Dafne’s initiative could set a precedence for how technology can impact student engagement and participation for future school wide learning activities.
She would have to investigate the privacy aspect before attempting any uploads to youtube.
Leslie
Reference: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/irp/course.php?lang=en&subject=Arts_Education&course=Music_11_and_12:__Composition_and_Technology&year=1997