New Media & New Literacies

            When I was young, we only had 5 TV channels, and 2 of them were PBS (Public Broadcasting Service).  I love learning with educational programming that was provided.  PBS continues to produce shows that teach many concepts to young children, and have expanded the learning with online games.  Sesame Street continues to be a popular show with beloved characters and PBS Kids created a music game based on this show: https://pbskids.org/sesame/games/monster-music/   There are 4 interactive games within Monster Music that students can play.  Each game corresponds to a different muppet, but they all work in the same way.  There is free play without a backing track to practice listening to and creating sounds, creating with a backing track (by clicking on the boombox), and a game where a mystery song is played by tapping on the glowing trash can/fruit/string/key (by clicking on the music notes).      ...

There are many digital platforms and tools available for teachers to use in the classroom.  I utilize a variety, but two in particular are my go-tos for communicating with families and students when they are away from school:  TalkingPoints is a communication app, and Padlet is an app to share content with others.  While TalkingPoints is geared toward families, Padlet can be useful for students, looping in other educators, and families. TalkingPoints (TP) is used by my district to communicate with families in the form of texting.   As a teacher, I log into Clever (an app that contains all of our district apps and student information) to access TP.  I can look up students individually to text their family alone, combine different students into one text, or I can contact an entire class to make a mass announcement.  Since I teach every student in the school, this tool is indispensable!  I am able to text most families to send home a positive note, i...

          My students, as well as my own children, are always showing me new ways of framing music composition and enjoyment.  Lofi music, relaxing beats that are supposed to be helpful with studying and relaxing, is  found easily on the internet.  My students are in an urban district with a history of connections to hip-hop. As a music teacher, this would be a great way for my students to learn about composition, the purpose  behind this genre, how it can be found, how it is created, and how it can be monetized.  Students would  need to be able to navigate the computer or tablet to explore online and app features like GarageBand.  My pupils have enjoyed various relaxation techniques employed during class, and this is a type that not only  they can interact with, but be able to create and personalize.   This could also be an opportunity to explore  the visual aspect with the art teacher and collaborate to en...