All in all, I don’t find a single technology on this list
that would not prove useful in a classroom today. Some may be highly focused on
areas that may not be apt for lesson plans, but as a tool for the teacher they
are incredible time and budget savers. Take Finale for instance. This program,
which albeit requires a decent capital, drastically reduces the budgetary needs
of a marching band. It also gives the teacher far more immediate control over
the individual needs of the ensemble on the field.
Most of the technology for music education today revolves
around composing and recording. What was once a pen and paper activity that
required a room full of musicians for playback can now be done by one student
and a pair of headphones. The new technologies drastically improve the learning
experiences of students and give them an opportunity to instantly critique
their own work.
The list as a whole not only covers the overwhelming
majority of technological needs I may have as a teacher, but also provides
alternatives to cover any budgetary or compatibility needs (such as PC vs. Mac)
that I may have. There are several music recording programs mentioned, each
with a different cost and with different programming – offering options based
on the computers provided by the school. There are even programs listed for
Aural Skills training, something far too rare yet all too important.
