Thoughts, Reflections, and Essays

I have used Google for some time as a search engine, but I never realized all the ways to search. Searching the internet can sometimes be tedious, but this is a from a modern perspective. Speaking to people who completed their doctorates 2-3 decades ago, it seems that we are most definitely spoiled. When talking to Dr. Ciepluch yesterday about whether there was an index for finding articles on band pieces, I told him indeed. I can go into Music Index Online type in "Holst Hammersmith" and receive the citation for every article in multiple journals. He said when he researched he had to sift through massive volumed indexes. I was surprised he did not know some of the tech available, but then he is quite up front about not being a researcher.

It is evident that there is a significant percentage of educators who do not realize, even outright avoid, technology and innovation. There are others who are eager and enthusiastic about trying new things. I am sure that while reading A Web of Free Resrouces for Addressing the National Music Standards many educa tors were surprised what was available to them. However, many probably dismissed them with the typical "I don't have enough time anyway," or "I'm just going to continue the way I've done it." That is why courses such as the present one are important. Professional development in schools should also center on subject specific workshops such as this (this is not the case!). I would say there are technological natives, technological immigrants, and those still living overseas!

Even for technological natives, there is always something they've missed, have not used, or still need to learn. My colleague in Iowa, who I am collaborating on with my brith order based instrument selection, has a full computer degree as well as his music ed degree. In addition to being the band director, he is the tech coordinator for his school. I learned many things from him, but then I would tell him things that he didn't know as well. Technology simply is too pervasive, to massive, and too evolutionary to get it all. What is important is the experiences that help you be able to learn future tools and gather resources.