Advocacy in Technology Education

           When I think about "ownership" in regards to student learning, the term "investment" comes to mind. Students have to have some part of their mind invested in the topic or information at hand. In general most if not close to all of my students want to be in my class because they chose too. I am lucky in that manner because students generally want to pursue and learn how to play an instrument. (During the middle school years) The hard part for me is how do I keep them in my class? I have to create an environment where students feel safe and invested so that learning, creativity, vulnerability, can take place.            Even in 2022, there is so much that is not understood about the effects of music on the brain. It has already been proven that playing live music uses both sides of the brain at the same time as well as a large portion of it; actively. (Especially when improvising) (Playing/creating something ...

  Personalized Learning      In todays world both students and teachers are inundated with technology outside of the classroom. So how can we use technology to create a personalized experience for our students? In my middle school band classroom technology is a supplemental tool. That is the whole point of having technology in the classroom because when used in a correct manner it can be a gateway into the mind of each individual student.      In my 7th grade band classroom this year I have a lot of beginners mixed in with students who have been playing for 2 years already. (After the pandemic my district did a huge recruitment to build back the band program.) That being said, I need to be able to differentiate, so that all levels can be attended to. Technology is one way that I can do that. I will be starting a music composition unit soon so that both the beginners and the more experienced players will be challenged at their own pace.   ...

What does advocacy mean in my current position?  -Currently I am a Music Educator who teaches Band at the middle school level. Advocacy for my music students is why I teach. My goal has always been to advocate that high quality music education stays in our public schools. Music has such a profound impact on all of us. Whether students choose to listen to it, play it, or share it; music is an integral part of being human. Which is why I have chosen to advocate/dedicate my life to it. Why is advocacy important? - Advocacy is important because without it; many important programs would be taken away from those who need it most. Even in wealthier communities; extra curricular programs are being cut because the money is being moved to fund other projects in town. Then the only people who suffer are the children/families in town.  In your opinion, what is one of the greatest issues facing the Edtech community today? I truly believe that one of the biggest issues that the Ed Tech worl...