By Tara Ciesiolka and Nikki Stevens

 Technology can be used to download music for sites such as I-Tunes inexpensively.  There are many websites that have activities to teach music to children. Some websites even simulate the playing of an instrument.  Software can also be purchased to teach music.  Technology can be used to add music to presentations or student made movies to promote learning in all areas of content.

 It is an expensive sources to download music. Generally $0.99 per song.  I-tunes is being used more regularly by music teachers to teach songs and to assist with school music programs.  Teachers can also use I-Tunes to download free podcasts to supplement learning in other subject areas.

There are many websites that promote the learning of music. They have interactive activities to promote learning. The activities promote music fundamentals, theory, and the playing of instruments.

This site offers……  Theory information  Piano practice  Games  Quizzes in different music areas

 Music can be used to add interest to student work and presentations in various other content areas.  Some uses would include Power Point presentations and Windows Movie Maker movies.  Teachers can also use music in their own personal websites and blogs created for their students.

 CD’s and CD players can be used in music lessons.  Less inexpensive electric instruments can be used to teach playing basics.  Music appreciation can be taught by using DVD’s of performances of different types of music.

Websites offer a great way for students to create an online media gallery of their art. Digital cameras, web cameras, camcorders, scanners, printers, and computers are all avenues to integrate art with technology. Many websites offer ideas and lesson plans on integrating art into the classroom. Computer programs and software that are available for students to use technology in creating their art.

There are many free websites out there such as Pbwiki.com that students can use to display their art. Online art galleries are a great way for parents to see students work. An example of a site that displays an online web gallery is:

Digital cameras, web cameras, camcorders, scanners, printers, and computers are all avenues to integrate art with technology. Students have the opportunity to create their own creative ideas in a new age technique. Opportunities are endless when using technology to display art in the classroom.

Contains lesson plans for integrating art & technology Displays students work Created for grades k-12 Lesson plans that incorporate technology & art with science, math, social studies, language arts. Study Section Educational Games Teacher lounge

PowerPoint Excel Paint Photoshop Websites-pbwiki.com Windows Movie Maker Youtube I-tunes And the list goes on…..

Single- switch technologies Computer Assisted Instruction Classroom Communication System Word Prediction Software Augmentative and alternative communication devices Frequency- Modulated Amplification Systems

Computer Assisted Instruction Helps students work at their own pace. There is computer simulation software

Single- switch technologies- used for students who have trouble with their motor skills. Single switch allows students to operate the mouse without needing to apply pressure on the button. 08/ss0303_50.pdf

Classroom Communication System- “Classtalk” enables every student to participate in every class exercise, displays the results to the teacher, and electronically monitors, analyzes, grades, and archives the results. This can help the student stay focused since it requires them to give a response within minutes. This can encourage them to pay closer attention to the lesson material since they know they have to provide an answer. This can improve cognition and learning This consists of a Teacher's Computer (Macintosh), interactive course ware, a Classtalk network and student devices which can be shared by 2 to 3 students.

Word Prediction Software Reduces the number of keystrokes that are required to type words and provides assistance with spelling for students of various ability levels. When the student begins to type in a word the computer suggest words that they are trying to type. And when the desired word pops up the student can select it (sort of like T-9, or Word, with text messaging.)

Augmentative and alternative communication ( AAC) devices Students can communicate through word selection devices, pictures, and graphs.

Frequency- Modulated Amplification Systems The teacher has a microphone and the students wear a hearing aid so the student can hear what the teacher is teaching.  rt5.pdf

Remember…Always integrate technology in music, art and special education!