So I am totally loving my grad classes already. They give me inspiration for more activity and project ideas. There is always a little spark that wishes I was back in the classroom to try all it, but then I start thinking how many ways I can help teachers do this sort of stuff and my mind goes in a whooollleeee new direction. 

So this week’s assignment was to create two podcasts that would fit with my content area, sure it sounds easy enough. When your someone like me though it takes a while to nail down a solid idea that will actually work and is COOL. Never half do anything, who is going to listen to it if it doesn’t have the wow factor?

I decided to do mine on Blues and Folk music. I took inspiration from the QuaverMusic.com venue books and went with it from there. Here are the finish products: 

Why podcast?

Podcasting is teaching outside of the classroom, allowing students to take learning further, podcasts give teachers a chance to flip the classroom teaching as homework and practicing and applying in the classroom, podcasts even work as a way of showing student knowledge in a different way.

So what kinds of things could you podcast about in music?:

• I’ve heard many friends flipping their ensembles. Providing videos or audio tutorials on different playing techniques they want the students to master and then just rehearsing during actual ensemble time.
• How about flipping your recorder program, practice at home, play at school!
• Its also a great way for students to research and show off what they learned in a format other than typing a paper.

What do you need to make a podcast? It’s actually pretty simple.

• You’ll need a device to record. Preferably a laptop.
• Don’t forget to download recording software! Audacity is a really good program to try.
• A great microphone, I LOVE these Blue Mics http://www.bluemic.com/snowball/

Make sure you create a script, you might think you can free style but it is so much easier to get everything in with a point of reference! Also, practice practice practice before you record!

  Most sites out there usually allow you to share videos so turning your podcast into a YouTube Video is usually easiest (Throw the audio into iMovie. ) You could also use a song sharing site like SoundCloud, or even drop it into DropBox and share the link.

If you were to put together a podcast, what you you talk about?

Schools back! Its been a really busy month! I was on the road for at least 2 and a half weeks training and meeting wonderful teachers across the country. Between that and my new homework for my grad program I’ll be blogging a little less but I’m still here!

Its the start to the school year, new students, new room and new technology! I was in several trainings this month where teachers were passed out brand new iPads! Isn’t that exciting! So now you have an iPad and school is starting, how do you start using it where you are comfortable and it makes your day to day life easier?

Best way is to start using it yourself for your own needs. Here are some apps you can start using right away in class with your students. You only need one device for all of these!

Apps:

Reflector $14.99– http://www.airsquirrels.com/reflector/ Wirelessly show your iPad on the projector screen by connecting it to your teacher computer. Great for games, composition activities, and showing visuals.

Puffin Web Browser $0 – https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/puffin-browser-free-fast-flash/id472937654?mt=8 Have a flash based website or game? Maybe like Quaver (you know that was coming.) Puffin allows the user to get to those websites without troubles and use the full programs. It is a little clunky but is a great resource for those go to websites that are still in flash!

Splashtop $4.99- https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/splashtop-2-remote-desktop/id382509315?mt=8 Remote Desktop program that allows you to connect to your laptop wirelessly. You can manipulate the screen on your desktop from your iPad. I love suggesting this one especially to teachers who do not have access to an interactive board. This not necessarily does not take the place of one, but it turns your iPad into a Smartboard slate pretty much, and you can adjust

Doceri $0- https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/doceri-interactive-whiteboard/id412443803?mt=8 Another version of a remote desktop app similar to Splashtop. This one allows you to annotate and record using the app and play later.

IDoceo $9.99- https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/idoceo-teachers-assistant/id477120941?mt=8 The ultimate teacher grade book app. Keep track of grades, take attendance, take behavior notes, the whole nine yards. Perfect app to keep you sane.

ClassDojo $0- https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/classdojo/id552602056?mt=8 Behavior app! Throw this up on the projector using Reflector and give points for good behavior throughout the class.

So you master using the iPad for your own. Now what’s next? Have you tried centers? Set out the device (or devices if you have more than one.) Compose, create, discover, make, take it to the next step and show how you can implement new technology into your classroom!

Need some help? Let me know!