Module Eight: Reflect on the idea that tests are the only objective assessments of student learning.

I don’t believe that tests per se (written questions to be answered), are the only objective way to assess student learning. As a musician and music teacher, I suppose the performances of my students could be called tests for both the students and my instructional technique, but I prefer to think of them as an alternative assessment. When we perform, it is either considered particular levels of “correct,” or “incorrect.” Though it is a concrete assessment of whether or not we perform “well,” the further listening by a musician or an adjudicator would reveal the more subjective aspects of the performance.

                As a final reflection, I think that all assessments are really tests of one sort or another. If we assess knowledge, techniques and execution in any aspect of school or life, I think we are really testing. Even when the doctor looks in my mouth with a tongue depressor, he is making an assessment of what he sees based on knowledge he or she has gained over the career, and thus they are performing a test of sorts. This is an interesting topic to explore, and I think I will need to research this topic more, and further develop my opinion on this matter. Thank you for reading!

                                                Don Pearce

What would my technology infused classroom look like?

My technology infused classroom would like a music room on steroids, combining the traditional rehearsal space with 21^st-century technology. I would have the traditional placement of risers for choral music, and the semi-circular formation for band. From there, I would add computer stations on one side of the classroom. Each of these stations would be used for practice and the learning of music notation and theory, and also be networked and internet capable for research, with a printer attached. This would allow students to be continually rotating through rehearsal, theory knowledge acquisition, and recording technology.

In addition, I would add computers in a practice room that would usable as digital audio workstations for students to record projects, and produce recordings of our concerts. Finally, I would include video capability for the class to be filmed, and have microphones in the room for recording rehearsals. There would a document camera so students could diagram and teach, explore, and create musical lessons for their peers, and have older students tutor younger singers and players.