Kristina Lattanzio’s Blog….

In developing my course information documents, I realize that there is much more to think about besides the format, how the course is set up-information about lectures, assignments, tests, aural training-my expectations and the the schedule.  This module’s readings have helped me think about the potential students in my course.  Their thoughts/concerns, limitations with technology they may have and questions they bring with them.  Scorza’s article has given me some important things to consider as I move in the direction of creating a class community.  The tone of the classroom, the way I present material and the atmosphere I create through my course development activities and my individual lessons and activities are all important to the success.  The discussions this week so far bring up many interesting thoughts, ideas and questions about online teaching and learning including which activities will provide the greatest learning experience, to creating the correct balance between on and offline activities, to how to create multimedia presentations into online learning.  I have browsed several examples of online courses and can see how successful courses are outlined, planned out and have gotten many examples of different types of activities to include.  In addition to adding material related to aural training skills in music theory, I also would like to develop some kind of online theory workbook where students can complete drill and practice assignments…….(4)

Well…….This first week has been a hectic one.  I’ve been introduced to so many new forms of technology that could be used for teaching and learning.  I’ve been a bit overwhelmed but I think I’m getting the hang of it.  I think the diigo book marking site is a great tool to use when doing research.  I like how I can highlight and comment on certain sections of an article or webpage and refer back to it later.  So far for me, the most challenging part of this first week has been the discussion….I have been thinking and worrying so much about whether I am teaching something or posing a challenging question in my discussion posts and responses that I didn’t even know where to begin!  So far the first discussion has brought back some familiar thoughts and areas of education such as constructivist teaching, mastery learning and emotional intelligence – all important to consider when teaching music (and all other subjects) and developing course content.

Designing an online version of one of my courses is going to be quite an exciting challenge.  There have been many topics that have come up in our first week of discussion that I will consider when designing my own course.  When I think of how to go about designing an online music theory course, my mind keeps coming back to the area of aural skills in music.  I think integrating music listening and dictation will be the most challenging aspect of my course design – trying to design material that is challenging to students of many different ability levels.  (3)