While most lesson plans I looked at tended to use technology
as a primary medium for teaching, this struck a fair balance between actual
instruction and the use of computer technology. As opposed to simply sitting a
student in front of a computer and simply following the online instructions,
this lesson actively engages the class, breaking it into small groups to
analyze the musical elements of the Baroque era.
The plan itself, written by Melanie Shaw, is a complete
plan. It contains every element necessary for a 50min long lesson for grades 4
– 6. Its anticipatory set engages the student, introducing them not only to
Baroque music, but also to the art and ideologies of the era. Following this,
students have an opportunity to listen to and discuss the pieces in small
groups or pairs. With the use of Excel for students to create a spreadsheet,
the students can analyze the aspects of Baroque music and observe them in a
very visual way – A rare opportunity for an art which centers around aural
aesthetics instead of visual.
Although none of the digital technology is “absolutely
necessary” (tapes can be used in lieu of digital recorders, pencil and paper
graphs can be substituted for Excel, and digital projectors can be replaced by
overhead projectors), the technologies vastly enhance the learning experience
for the students as well as the quality of the listening examples. Although,
with the exception of music recording or computer composition, technology is
rarely “essential”, its inclusion simplifies many aspects of the music
education. In the case of this lesson plan it improves the quality of the lsson
and also familiarizes students with the capabilities of digital media.
