I never really stopped to think if a classroom could get by using only one computer, but after reading this article, I see that one computer can do it all. I particularly liked the idea of dividing the class into small groups and using stations with the computer at one of the stations. That way students still have the social aspect so many of them love about music classes, while learning with technology. Most people associate a computer as a one-to-one ratio, but in small groups, everyone gets a chance to work the mouse/keyboard while learning together. The small groups also open the opportunity for hands-on learning in association with technology catering to multiple learning styles.
While reading about the game idea Kassner presents, I couldn't help but think he was talking about a class of younger students. While high schoolers love playing games, I have trouble picturing them sitting in lines in front of a single computer screen. The idea is still a wonderful idea. I did feel that a lot of the article geared towards a more general music-type class for elementary schools students, but many of the suggestions can be adapted to older students in more specialized classes.
All-in-all, Kassner provided me with a new view on the use of technology in the classroom and the idea that its about quality not quantity.
An innovative teacher can utilize minimal resources (technology or otherwise) in creative ways to help her students learn. While it would be ideal to teach students in an environment where they each have their own computer (and there are schools that do this), it is still a fairly rare occurence. But Kassner provides some great ideas on how a single computer can be used to advantage. Technology does cost money (so do instruments), but as I hope you've seen already through activities in this class, there are a lot of free and inexpensive resources available. And, with even a single computer and projector, these resources can be beneficial to an entire classroom of students.
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