Technology (especially the Internet and, of course, computers) is obviously an extremely important part of our everyday lives... as is evidenced by the fact that I am writing this blog, and you are reading it.
Something that frustrates me in the integration of "technology" into the classroom is that so often if feels forced. I strongly agree with Dr. Bauer in that "technological approaches... should only be incorporated when there is clear benefit to learning" (10). How many mindlessly dull Powerpoint presentations have we all sat through under the guise of "learning through technology?"
In order to utilize technology effectively in the classroom, the instructor must have a expert understanding of his or her subject (pedagogical content knowledge) as well as a functional knowledge of the technology, and, finally, an ability to create an educational relationship between pedagogical content knowledge and the technological approaches.
I appreciated how this article was able to help me understand why it's so important not only for me as a student to learn about technology in music, but as an educator to learn how to effectively use that technology for the betterment of my students AND how to instruct the students themselves in the use of that technology (notation software, music production, etc.).
I learned a new acronym today too! TPACK - Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge. TPACK is a sophisticated representation of all the possible combinations of the 3 different "types" of knowledge: technological, pedagogical, and content. By understanding how each "type" of knowledge interacts with the others, educators can more effectively select technology, pedagogical technique, and content for themselves and their students.
It seems a little confusing right now, but I understand the gist of it, and I am rapidly beginning to appreciate the skill and planning it takes to incorporate all three aspects into a lesson. I think part of my confusion stems from an initial inability to really comprehend how this will affect me as an educator, but part of the goal of this class (Technology-Assisted Music Teaching and Learning) is to give me a better understanding of just that. I know this information will help me enormously, I just don't have a concrete idea of how yet...
I am completely with you on the dull insertion of technology into classrooms "just because". When used properly, technological applications enhance the lesson in so many ways. It's a shame that some educators are so intimidated to learn a new trick. Keep me posted on whether the TPACK concept becomes more concrete for you. It's my hope that by the end of the semester, you'll have a better idea of how to use all of this in the long run.
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