ReturnHarmonizing Learning: Empowering Secondary Students Through EarSketch
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Colorado Convention Center, Bluebird Ballroom Lobby, Table 26
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Session description
Purpose & objective
"Harmonizing Learning: Empowering Secondary Students Through EarSketch"
Purpose:
This presentation is dedicated to equipping educators with the skills and resources to effectively integrate EarSketch, an innovative music and computing platform, into their teaching practices. Participants will investigate how EarSketch can increase student engagement, cultivate creativity, and facilitate interdisciplinary learning. Beyond introducing EarSketch as a tool for education, our purpose is to emphasize its transformative potential in promoting equitable and inclusive learning experiences while highlighting the transformative potential of EarSketch as an educational and musical instrument.
Objectives:
After the presentation, attendees will:
Understand the fundamentals of EarSketch:
Be familiar with the main features and functions of EarSketch.
Know how to implement EarSketch in music and computer science education.
Integrate EarSketch Across Disciplines:
Acquire strategies for integrating EarSketch into various subjects, such as music, computer science, mathematics, and more.
Investigate interdisciplinary lesson plans and activities that use EarSketch to bridge subject divides.
Discover how the interactive interface and real-world applications of EarSketch can captivate and motivate students.
Examine specific lesson plans and activities to engage students of varying backgrounds and abilities.
Explore how EarSketch fosters creativity through music composition and coding.
Discover how to promote critical thinking and problem-solving through EarSketch initiatives.
Address the challenge of providing equitable access to technology and digital resources.
Discuss effective strategies for promoting inclusiveness, cultural diversity, and cultural sensitivity in the classroom using EarSketch.
Align with Educational Standards:
Understand how EarSketch can align with subject-specific content area standards.
Learn how to create authentic learning activities with EarSketch that adhere to educational standards.
Technology Intervention:
EarSketch, a web-based platform integrating music composition with coding, will be highlighted as the primary technological intervention. This utility facilitates music creation via Python programming and provides an intuitive interface for students and educators.
Models Employed:
Interdisciplinary Integration: The presentation will illustrate how EarSketch can bridge various disciplines, encouraging educators to explore cross-curricular opportunities.
Active Learning: Participants will engage in hands-on activities to create music using EarSketch, promoting active and experiential learning.
Instructional Activities/Strategies Employed:
Live Demos: Presenters will demonstrate the practical use of EarSketch in the classroom through live coding and music composition.
Lesson Plan Examples: Sample lesson plans will be shared, showcasing how EarSketch integrates into different subjects.
Collaborative Discussions: Participants will engage in discussions to brainstorm innovative ways to leverage EarSketch for enhanced learning experiences.
Evidence of Success:
Participant engagement and interaction during the session
Feedback and questions indicating comprehension and interest
Post-session surveys assess participants' confidence and readiness to implement EarSketch in their classrooms.
Participants who have implemented EarSketch in their teaching practices share real-world success stories and classroom examples.
Outline
Presentation Outline: "Harmonizing Learning: Empowering Secondary Students Through EarSketch" (30 minutes)
Content and Activities:
1. Introduction (3 minutes)
Welcome and brief presenter introductions.
Overview of the presentation's purpose and objectives.
2. Understanding EarSketch (5 minutes)
Introduction to EarSketch as a music and coding platform.
Critical features of EarSketch
3. Live EarSketch Demonstration (5 minutes)
Live coding and music composition demo with EarSketch.
Highlight how students can create music through coding.
4. Integrating EarSketch Across Disciplines (5 minutes)
Discuss EarSketch's application in various subjects.
Present a sample interdisciplinary lesson plan.
5. Enhancing Student Engagement (4 minutes)
Strategies for engaging students using EarSketch.
Share a captivating lesson plan example.
6. Promoting Creativity and Critical Thinking (3 minutes)
Explore how EarSketch fosters creativity and problem-solving.
Briefly discuss critical thinking activities.
7. Q&A and Participant Discussion (3 minutes)
Open for participant questions and discussion.
Encourage the sharing of insights and experiences.
Process:
Interactive Questions: Begin with a few engaging questions to involve the audience and assess prior knowledge.
Live Demo: Conduct a brief live EarSketch demonstration to capture participants' interest.
Peer Interaction: Encourage brief peer-to-peer discussions on potential EarSketch applications in their teaching contexts.
Q&A:
Allocate time for a concise Q&A session to address participant inquiries and comments.
Supporting research
Articles:
Waddell, G., & Williamon, A. (2019). Technology Use and Attitudes in Music Learning. Frontiers in ICT, 6, 374160. https://doi.org/10.3389/fict.2019.00011
Yoo, H. (2022). Building 21st Century Skills Through Technology in General Music Classes. Journal of General Music Education. https://doi.org/10.1177/27527646221110867
Books:
"Music Technology and Education: Amplifying Musicality" by Andrew King and Evangelos Himonides
Websites:
EarSketch Official Website
https://earsketch.gatech.edu/landing/#/
Experts
Dr. Jason Freeman: Dr. Freeman is one of the creators of EarSketch and an Associate Professor in the School of Music at Georgia Tech. His expertise in music technology and education is invaluable.
https://music.gatech.edu/jason-freeman
Dr. Brian Magerko: Dr. Magerko is another crucial figure in the development of EarSketch and an Associate Professor in the School of Literature, Media, and Communication at Georgia Tech.
https://iac.gatech.edu/people/person/brian-magerko
Session specifications
EarSketch Account: To actively engage with our live demonstrations and explore the platform, attendees should create an EarSketch account. They can sign up for free on the EarSketch website: EarSketch Sign-Up.
Python IDE (Optional): While not mandatory, having a Python Integrated Development Environment (IDE) installed on their devices can enhance the learning experience. Popular options include:
Anaconda: Anaconda provides a comprehensive Python environment.
Python IDLE: The official Python IDE is suitable for basic Python coding.
Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is essential for streaming live demonstrations and participating in discussions.
Other Equipment/Materials to Bring (Optional):
Headphones: For better audio clarity during the session.
Note-taking Materials: Attendees may want to take notes or jot down ideas during the presentation.
Questions and Curiosity: An inquisitive mindset and questions related to integrating EarSketch in their teaching practices will greatly enrich the session.
Leader
- Advocate for equitable access to educational technology, digital content and learning opportunities to meet the diverse needs of all students.
- Model for colleagues the identification, exploration, evaluation, curation and adoption of new digital resources and tools for learning.
- Design authentic learning activities that align with content area standards and use digital tools and resources to maximize active, deep learning.