Okay - it's here and it's real. Teachers all over the US are being told to teach online and are quickly learning how to use Zoom, WebEx, Skype, etc. to teach their classes online and in real time. But what about those students who don't have a strong enough internet signal to watch and participate in real time?
I have thrown together a super-quick video to talk about how to utilize "asynchronous" learning in your classroom. It's just a few tips and best practices to help you provide the best learning experience for your students. I hope it helps!
Below is an example of a online discussion question (which by its very nature is "asynchronous") I use in my online Music Appreciation class. We studied the Renaissance period, and I pulled out a key concept, "Word Painting", for an asynchronous discussion:
Word Painting Discussion Example
One of the main musical characteristics to come out of the Renaissance is the idea of word painting. We've seen how composers have gone from making no effort to match the music with the emotion of the text (in the Middle Ages) to very clearly illustrating the text in the music. This practice lasts up to the present day! Consider the following piece, performed by Cantus:
Can you hear the word painting that happens in this piece? It happens in a specific spot:
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me, To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes. I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me, To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
You used to rock me in the cradle of your arms, You said you'd hold me till the pains of life were gone. You said you'd comfort me in times like these and now I need you, Now I need you, and you are gone.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me, To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes. Since you've gone and left me, there's been so little beauty, But I know I saw it clearly through your eyes.
Now the world outside is such a cold and bitter place, Here inside I have few things that will console. And when I try to hear your voice above the storms of life, Then I remember all the things that I was told.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me, To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes. I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me, To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
I think on the things that made me feel so wonderful when I was young. I think on the things that made me laugh, made me dance, made me sing. I think on the things that made me grow into a being full of pride. I think on these things, for they are true.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me, To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes. I thought that you were gone, but now I know you're with me, You are the voice that whispers all I need to hear. I know a please a thank you and a smile will take me far, I know that I am you and you are me and we are one, I know that who I am is numbered in each grain of sand, I know that I've been blessed again, and over again.
I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me, To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes. I am sitting here wanting memories to teach me, To see the beauty in the world through my own eyes.
Can you hear how the harmonies came together and the singers all join in on the melody for the three words I highlighted in green font? Everyone sang melody on the words "we are one." Simple, yet very effective.
For this discussion, I have a big challenge for you. You are to find a choral work that uses word painting. Provide the video (3 pts) and the lyrics (3 pts) and describe how word painting is used (15 pts). There are no limits for the songs, other than no pop-song covers, the admonition to not share works with inappropriate content (believe it or not, you can find choral arrangements of songs that are not suitable for Freedom Project Academy!). You do not have to find a live performance for this (try to find a recording with high audio quality), but again, be careful not to share a video with inappropriate images. When in doubt, email me! And of course, no repeats from each other.
You are expected to do an original post (21 points) and two replies (10 points each).
I'm looking forward to seeing what music you find!
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