South Windsor High School (South Windsor, CT)
- Instructor: Jeremiah Crowley
- Location: South Windsor, CT
- School Profile: Public High School, 9-12, Enrollment 1461
- Class Title(s): Guitar, Digital Audio Editing, Music Theory
- Grades Levels Included: 9-12
- Structure of NTM Class(es): Periods are approx 1 hour/day. Students may take any one of the 3 classes at any period of the day. Classes are taught during the same period, in the same room.
- History: The class was launched in 2011-2012. It has been in construction for 3 years. The construction process included website development, immense video/tutorial creation and class flow planning. All instructional materials have been created by the instructor.
- Software Used: Guitar Now Online (internet), Garageband, Apple Logic Pro, Musition, Google Groups, Google Docs, Google Forms, Finale, Peavey Revalver, Sonar Essentials, Quicktime, Open Office
- Hardware Used: Macintosh and Windows Based machines, Line 6 Pods, M-Audio Fast Tracks, Fender Stratocasters, Jam Hubs, MIDI Keyboards, MIDI Drums, MIDI Guitars. The music department invested in 16 Macintoshes and added them to 18 PC's that were being used in only the smallest capacity. There were initial struggles with obtaining the room and the funds for the project. We are continuing to build from this foundation and hope to add more MAC stations for the next academic year.
- Class NTM Activities: The classes taught in the Music Lab (Guitar/Digital Audio Editing) specifically target the non-traditional students. Nearly all of these students are not involved in any school music activities and most do not read music or play any instrument. The music department has cast a wide net over the student body taking students out of study halls and discovering the talent that before has gone unnoticed. Guitar Class teaches tablature and electric guitar and Digital Audio focuses on Hip-Hop, Dub-Step, Trance and House music compositions. Non traditional is what we do!
Students enter class and immediately log in to their appropriate class group (google groups). They receive important class procedural information and links to assessments, tutorials, PDF's etc. Students begin the semester by filling out initial assessment surveys. The instructor then issues IAP's. (Individual Action Plans). These Plans outline a measurable short-term goal with sequenced lessons leading to the goal. Upon completion there is assessment and reflection. The student is then given their next IAP bringing them to their next goals.Students are able to collaborate on common IAP's using silent JAM HUBS. The teacher role has shifted from instructor to facilitator of instruction. - Success Stories from NTM Activities: As a 12-year teacher of Guitar and Music Technology I have never seen so many students learn these skills. The traditional class model delivers instruction to the "middle" while attempting to differentiate at the same time. Students who learn slower or faster than the "middle" are often frustrated at the pace of class. This issue is eliminated. 100% of the students are being reached by instruction that meets them at their level. Data collected from anonymous surveys show incredibly positive feedback. I was awarded the PAC Award for promoting a positive learning environment at South Windsor High School. The recipient of this award is chosen by the students.
- Advice to Others Starting NTM Project: This process will take a large amount of "front-loading" time but will pay huge dividends.
- Date Submitted: February 2012