Choral Caffeine: Evil or Essential?

In a recent ChoralBlog titled, “Technology is Not a Goal,” Jeff Tillinghast (a member of ACDA’s Technology Committee) said, “[Technology is] not a part of some shady additional discipline. These things are simply methods and assistants to help us facilitate our goal, be it teaching, learning, art, or all three.”

 

Put another way, it’s nothing more than a tool, like a spatula.  You’re not afraid of a spatula, are you?  The question is, of course, how will we use the technological spatula to the benefit of our efforts as choral conductors?

 

In her article, “Evil or Essential? The Pros and Cons of Social Networking for Music Teachers” (Delaware Da Capo, Vol.16, No.3), Penny Carmack suggests one solution.  She says, “social networking sites can provide you with a new means of connecting in a new and meaningful way with your students.”  Penny continues, sharing several benefits of social networking:

 

> Connect readily with parents, students, and colleagues

> An extension of teens’ real-world friendships

> Shy or socially-awkward teens can comfortably communicate with one another and you, the teacher

> Teens with unusual interests or hobbies can fi nd kindred spirits

> Lessens the sense of isolation and allows a means of support for students with disabilities or other communication challenges

 

 

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