Teaching in a Virtual World
2020 has been eye opening to the teaching profession and the world at large. We have all been required to adapt to a format of education that is outside our traditional comfort zone. While it has been challenging in many ways, it has also come with some benefits and has forced us to grow in ways we would not have otherwise done with regards to the use of technology and the necessity for efficiency.
I have had significant experience teaching in virtual formats at this point. My student teaching with Andrew Perkins at AGS Middle School in Fenton, MI began and ended its semester in a virtual format. Despite the challenges, we were able to create a classroom that involved students playing their instruments and eventually recording two of their final concert songs from home. Further details can be found on my AGS Virtual Outline.
One area that virtual learning does not provide significant challenges for is private teaching. Individual private lessons have existed in a virtual format for several years, and I have had several students from 2016-Present who have chosen to do private lessons in a virtual format.
I also served as a teacher for the virtual Crescendo Detroit program in the Fall of 2020. In this 6 week program, I taught two identical 25 minute classes on Music in Culture using several online tools, which are listed below.
I have had significant experience teaching in virtual formats at this point. My student teaching with Andrew Perkins at AGS Middle School in Fenton, MI began and ended its semester in a virtual format. Despite the challenges, we were able to create a classroom that involved students playing their instruments and eventually recording two of their final concert songs from home. Further details can be found on my AGS Virtual Outline.
One area that virtual learning does not provide significant challenges for is private teaching. Individual private lessons have existed in a virtual format for several years, and I have had several students from 2016-Present who have chosen to do private lessons in a virtual format.
I also served as a teacher for the virtual Crescendo Detroit program in the Fall of 2020. In this 6 week program, I taught two identical 25 minute classes on Music in Culture using several online tools, which are listed below.
Philosophy of Teaching Band in a Virtual Environment
Band is arguably even more important while kids are learning remotely than ever. Our kids are spending an abundance of time learning and socializing through the limited medium of a video call. This is not meant as a criticism of the circumstances, nor is it a condemnation of the use of these tools. They are necessary, but they are also extremely subpar in comparison to traditional face-to-face learning for a majority of students.
With students lacking the traditional community of the school environment and deprived of the essential tactile activities of their lives, doing a hands-on activity like band becomes the best outlet of the school day. While a majority of classes are reduced to what can be done on a computer screen, band can maintain daily playing habits and routines provide students with something approaching the normalcy that they are missing. Additionally, working towards a performance, even a virtual one, is a goal for them to feel like they are working towards. Even if the music is not stretching their musicianship to the limits, it is engaging them in activity and giving them a purpose for playing their instruments.
Furthermore, a band program and musical aptitude require consistency and diligence. Not playing instruments will lead to declining enrollment, decreasing motivation, and regression in the ability for students to play their instruments. Music can be a life changing and life influencing experience for kids, and music educators must do what is in their power to make sure that experience is maintained as meaningfully as is possible.
With students lacking the traditional community of the school environment and deprived of the essential tactile activities of their lives, doing a hands-on activity like band becomes the best outlet of the school day. While a majority of classes are reduced to what can be done on a computer screen, band can maintain daily playing habits and routines provide students with something approaching the normalcy that they are missing. Additionally, working towards a performance, even a virtual one, is a goal for them to feel like they are working towards. Even if the music is not stretching their musicianship to the limits, it is engaging them in activity and giving them a purpose for playing their instruments.
Furthermore, a band program and musical aptitude require consistency and diligence. Not playing instruments will lead to declining enrollment, decreasing motivation, and regression in the ability for students to play their instruments. Music can be a life changing and life influencing experience for kids, and music educators must do what is in their power to make sure that experience is maintained as meaningfully as is possible.
Tools For Virtual Teaching and Remote Learning
Zoom - Video platform for hosting classes.
Padlet - An online bulletin board. Great for more informal discussion boards.
FlipGrid - Self Recording video platform. Great for students to record answers to discussion questions or do playing tests.
Google Classroom - Provides a space for the classroom announcements and assignments to be housed. Interfaces with most other apps.
Screen Castify - Google Chrome Extension that allows students to record themselves. Great for recording while playing along in class
Padlet - An online bulletin board. Great for more informal discussion boards.
FlipGrid - Self Recording video platform. Great for students to record answers to discussion questions or do playing tests.
Google Classroom - Provides a space for the classroom announcements and assignments to be housed. Interfaces with most other apps.
Screen Castify - Google Chrome Extension that allows students to record themselves. Great for recording while playing along in class