Absolute beginners are invited to experience a differentiated physical computing and computer science classroom that meets learners where they are. Utilizing micro:bits with MakeCode, participants will self-select into interest-based groups to begin creating projects that deepen their own understanding of physical computing and CS education.
Read MoreThis session discusses considerations for designing and facilitating a makerspace. I share project ideas, process videos, finalized products, and tips for designing and facilitating a makerspace dedicated to media arts and technology at any grade level.
Read MoreThis session discusses how to seamlessly integrate formative, summative, and ipsative assessment practices within K-12 coding projects and lessons. We will explore each of the three approaches and I will provide both formal and informal examples of how each type of assessment might occur within a project or lesson.
Read MoreThis presentation begins with an introduction to various approaches of project-based learning with Scratch; for example, backward, inquiry-based, and emergent project designs. The second portion of this session is an interactive exploration of free Scratch project examples and resources I have developed, so bring your laptop to explore and create projects with Scratch. The session will conclude with an open Q&A on project-based learning with Scratch.
Read MoreThis interactive session explores augmenting programmatic music through a variety of technology. The session begins with a brief presentation on how we augmented programmatic music performed by a community band I worked with. Following the brief presentation, we will work together to augment a programmatic piece of music. The session will end with a discussion on what could be learned in a project like this and how we might implement similar projects in the settings we facilitate. A laptop or tablet is recommended for this session.
Read MoreThis paper presentation is formatted into the following sections: 1) A vignette on my own experiences coping with depression and suicide; 2) Statistics on depression and suicide as it relates to various populations music educators work with; 3) A vignette of a music educator helping a musician through depression and suicidal thoughts; 4) Risk factors and warning signs; 5) Suggestions for providing support; 6) A vignette from a music educator's perspective on a musician who committed suicide; 7) Closing thoughts. This paper presentation ends with an open discussion.
Read MoreThis interactive session explores the nexus of music and video games. We will make live music to live video game play and discuss considerations for implementation in general music classes.
NOTE: This session was originally scheduled as an hour long session with lecture, interaction, and discussion; however, this session was booked for the same time as another session I am presenting. Because of this conflict, I have curated resources below I would have mentioned in the lecture portion of the proposed session.
Read MoreThis interactive session explores the nexus of music and coding (computer programming). We will collaboratively explore music making and learning through multiple programming languages and discuss how the elementary kids I work with make music through code.
NOTE: This session was originally scheduled as an hour long session with lecture, interaction, and discussion; however, this session was booked for the same time as another session I am presenting. Because of this conflict, I have curated resources below I would have mentioned in the lecture portion of the proposed session.
Read MoreThis discussion-based presentation focuses on three emerging music nexuses: 1) music performance and technology; 2) music and video games; and 3) music and coding. The presentation slides below provide many resources related to these nexuses; however, the discussion revolving around this presentation are not limited to these nexuses. I intend for this presentation to be a springboard for discussion on emerging music nexuses and their implications in music education/facilitation.
Read MoreThis interactive session explores a variety of platforms, perspectives, and resources to get started with an after school coding program. We explore three different coding platforms we use and have students present on what they do in each of these platforms. In addition, we discuss how we facilitate our coding classes and provide resources to get started. Click the computer programming links above for even more resources.
Read MoreThis session explores perspectives on the Avondale Elementary School District's second year of implementing a K-8 coding curriculum. We discuss three different coding platforms we use and have students present on what they do in each of these platforms. In addition, we discuss how we facilitate our coding classes and provide resources for others who are interested in making a coding curriculum. Click the computer programming links above for even more resources.
Read MoreThis presentation focuses on a multimedia ensemble that created live music and sounds (acoustic and digital) to live video games. The session explores the successes, failures, and musical problems experienced within the ensemble as well as the specific software and hardware used by the ensemble. The session concludes with a discussion on future ensemble possibilities for music and sound with multimedia experiences.
Read MoreThis session is on how the K-8 technology classes I worked with evolved beyond linear coding, to arts-based programming projects. The session discusses the rationale behind moving away from puzzle programming into project-based programming, as well as how the arts fostered creativity and innovation in learning how to code. Video footage from actual classes will be used to demonstrate some of the affordances and constraints of this approach.
Read MoreThis session will explore how to find and share resources with other music educators using a variety of social media services and tools. The focal points of this session will involve exploring where to go to find resources, how to bring the resources to you, how to save the resources for future use, and how to share the resources with other music educators. Please feel free to bring a laptop, tablet, and/or smart phone as this session will focus on hands on experience with the various services and tools.
Read MoreThis session will explore potential projects that involve creating music to modern video games. We will also explore how video games can be used to explore technology, music theory, music history, composing, and performing with modern video games. Experience with video games is not required as the focus is on the unique musical affordances students can experience when creating music to video games. Please feel free to bring an instrument as we will experience a mini project that requires everyone to musically contribute to a live video game in the session.
Read MoreThis session will explore potential projects that involve composing and performing music in the 8-bit aesthetic. We will also explore how the 8-bit aesthetic can be used to explore technology, music theory, and music history through composing and performing with 8-bit video games. Experience with video games is not required as the focus is on the unique musical affordances students can experience when composing and performing music to old school video games. Please feel free to bring a laptop with a way to write music notation as we will create and perform music to a live video game in the session.
Read MoreThis session will explore various uses of technology to augment performing in ways that were previously unimaginable. The focal points of the session will revolve around exploring questions such as: How can technology be used to include all students? In what ways can technology be used to think deeper about performing music? Where is there a place for digital and hybrid musicianship in our programs? How can we find out how to use technology to augment musicianship? Experience with technology is not required; however, bringing a laptop, tablet, and/or smart phone will assist with the discussion and experience.
Read MoreThis session will explore various uses of technology to augment teaching in a way that is conducive to student-center learning. The focal points of the session will revolve around exploring questions such as: How can we use technology to assess students at an individual level while engaging an entire class of students? How can we find out how to use technology in the classroom? How can we use technology to provide more feedback to students? How can we combine various technologies to do things they weren't designed to do? Experience with technology is not required; however, bringing a laptop, tablet, and/or smart phone will assist with the discussion and experience.
Read MoreThis session will explore applications of video games inside and outside of the music classroom. We will explore various games, apps, and websites that allow students to engage with music through video games. Experience with video games is not required as the focus is on the unique musical affordances students can experience when engaging with music video games. Please feel free to bring an instrument, laptop, and/or tablet as we will be exploring a wide variety of uses of video games inside and outside of the music classroom.
Read MoreStudents are highly motivated by video games as they can spend dozens of hours playing each week. What if educators could channel this motivation into composing by allowing students the opportunity to compose to old school video games? This presentation demonstrates a variety of 8-bit musical experiences that integrate technology, theory, history, composition, and performance with 8-bit video games.
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