Training Piano Teachers with WIMBA ClassroomLinda Holzer, DMusProfessor of Music

University of Arkansas-Little Rock

+WIMBA =

Piano PedagogyCourse on methods and materials in piano teachingUpper-level elective for music majorsLecture, discussion and demonstration course

University of Arkansas-Little RockUrban commuter campusDiverse student body, non-traditional age studentsFull and part-time studentsFace-to-face and distance-learning course features help responsive to diverse student needs

ArkansasCapitol city of Little Rock has a population of under 200,000Largely a rural state, with diverse geography (Delta, Grand Prairie, Ozark Mountains) UALR is centrally located and well known state-wide

Rationale for Distance-LearningPiano teachers in search of pedagogy training are spread out, and commuting may not be practicalSurvey of piano teachers revealed interest in distance-learning for a pedagogy courseAdult students want schedule flexibility of distance-learning

Arkansas State Music Teachers AssociationMembership data revealed that most had become computer usersASMTA encourages members to become certified as piano teachers, and taking a pedagogy course is required for certification

Essentials NeedsMusic courses need quality audioDigital piano or acoustic piano for musical demonstrationComputer for instructor, Smart Board, wired internet connection, LCD projectorBlackboard and WIMBA ClassroomWireless mic

UALR Music Tech ClassroomKorg digital keyboardRevolabs SoloT Wearable Wireless MicSmartBoardiMac instructors station computer (Intel-based) running OS 10.4.11Blackboard CE6LCD ceiling-mounted projector

Audio SetupMixing boardAmplifier powering 2 monitor speakersFor piano demonstrations via distance-learning, piano output levels had to be set high for mic pickup

Daily Teaching RoutineAudio archived all lecturesUploaded PowerPoints to WIMBA ClassroomOff-campus student generally logged on during class timeStudents occasionally accessed the archive outside of class time

Additional Features UsedOnline GradebookDiscussion ToolLearning ModulesLive musical demonstrations on digital piano

Guest SpeakersWIMBA allows guest access to the ClassroomLink, emailed to the guest presenterPracticed a week ahead with the guest to make sure they were comfortableHad them send me their PowerPoint ahead of time so I could upload it to WIMBA Classroom

Oral ReportsPopular assignment with studentsWorks well for face-to-face and distance-learning students via ClassroomCommunication was clear, and students enjoyed sharing with each other this way

Semester EvaluationsI love the how the guest speakers gave us real-life examples of the things we learn from the lectures. I also appreciate that the lectures are archived so that we can go back and review at any time.

All areas of piano teaching were thoroughly covered including teaching materials, business matters, available resources.

Other CoursesPerspectives on Careers in Music, currently offering it as a hybrid course, using WIMBA ClassroomPlans for developing a distance-learning course about famous pianists and piano music as an upper-level elective for non-majors.

My CustomizationsMaintain a stand-alone web site with the syllabus, how to info for Blackboard, and link to log on to BlackboardUALR provides all faculty with server space for a web siteBlackboard isnt available until midnight of the first day of class; I email students one week ahead for syllabus

Cusomizations, contdPrepare a test audio archive the week before classes start, post on WIMBA ClassroomEncourage students to log on the first week and access the file, to make sure they can hear itStart troubleshooting immediately!Tech problems may cause students to drop

The Magic TriangleMusic DepartmentAHSS Learning Technology Ctr.Scholarly Technology & Resources

Additional Faculty SupportAHSS Teaching with Technology TeamOccasional faculty development workshops via AHSS Learning Technology CenterMonthly workshops via STaRInformal conversations among faculty who meet at the above

Troubleshooting

Common GlitchesAudio archive playback issues on some newer student computers running Vista or Windows XP collided with WebCT 4.3Computer and internet browser setup issuesTime-consuming troubleshooting on Quicktime and various settingsUltimately resolved by upgrading to Blackboard CE6

Advice for Students for Distance-LearningUsing a Headset with WIMBA Classroom1.Buy headphones with a mic. 2.Plug the red jack into the speaker/mic jack3.Plug the white into the headphones jack.Reminder about the expected time commitmentReminder of course requirements

Student Success ProfileGood time management skillsWork well independentlyHigh motivation to succeedGood attention to detailPositive attitude towards learningHigh comfort-level with computer and internet technologyCommunicate with instructor, asking questions

Invite and InformBoth students and faculty need to be aware of what theyre in for when using course management software and WIMBA ClassroomIt can be rewarding and very effectiveInstructor MUST allow ample time for course development

Risks for RookiesFaculty with limited experience under-estimate time needed to learn the teaching technologyThey mistake the fact that it looks easy when prep is complete, and assume it happens instantlyRemember Fred Astaire. Made the dancing look easy. Reality was lots of rehearsal preparation.

Questions?

Contact Information:Prof. Linda HolzerCoordinator of Classical Keyboard StudiesMusic DepartmentUniversity of Arkansas at Little Rocklrholzer@ualr.edu501.569.8436