Weekly Email Reflection – 4/5/20

Kelly Wildermuth

This week my cooperating teacher and I worked on plans for the third week of online
learning, when the students begin specific lessons for non-core classes rather than just the study
log. I made attendance sheets for each of the sections in each period to determine which students
had logged into Canvas and looked at the page for their specific music class. I also looked over
the logs that were turned in this week from a few of the students – not many turned in the log. I
have also been working on proposing ways to differentiate the piano log to Julia. The keyboard
module for this past week and next is the same for all three levels, but I have suggested changing
the instructions to include different pieces and repertoire choices for the Level 2 and 3 students
since their skills are much further along than the Level 1 students.
I am still having some trouble with Canvas – I have an account, but the county has been slow
to link my account with Julia’s and still hasn’t given me full access to the training. However, I
have communicated with the right personnel at the county office and they have assured me to
just be patient for them to get all their employees and students settled and then they will work to
help me the best they can.
I have learned that when teaching online, it is important to communicate clear instructions
and expectations. It seems many of the students did not follow the instructions set up with the
module correctly or had trouble completing the assignment properly. Especially with technology,
it is important to realize that even thought we assume our students understand technology even
better than us, that not all students have the ability, skills, or means to complete online
assignments or to do so as easily as their peers. Also, Julia and I have been challenged by the
number of students that have not even logged into their class page on Canvas. It seems like it
will be difficult to get the students engaged and dedicated to the online learning platform. One
possible solution I have seen from other teachers is using social media platforms to engage the
students. Although Julia and Seabreeze do not have or want something like this set up right now,
an Instagram or Snapchat account (if approved by the county of course – I think Volusia does not
allow this currently) is a great way to engage almost all your students with your choral/music
program! I have seen a fellow Stetson alum use her Chorus Instagram account to post memes,
polls, audition info, Google classroom codes, assignment reminders, and even Tiktok challenges!
These methods seem like great ways to keep your students involved and invested in your
program, even during a pandemic!
 Weekly Email Reflection – 4/12/20
Kelly Wildermuth

This week I worked on grading the Instructional Continuity Logs for my cooperating teacher.
I graded all the Week 1 logs, most of which were turned in this past week, and the Week 2 logs. I
also communicated with each student that turned in a log, thanking them for practicing and
offering my assistance if needed. About half of all Ms. Hood’s students have turned in their
activity logs, so I have only contacted about half of the students. I am hoping to contact the rest
of our students this upcoming week. It is difficult to find ways to successfully communicate with
all our students – some do not have reliable internet service and many others are simply reluctant
to communicate or complete their work. With everything going on, so many of our students are
dealing with uncertainty and anxiety, so it is important to both Ms. Hood and I to be
understanding and compassionate to all our students, especially when they are having trouble
completing their work or successfully communicating with us.
I also adjusted the Keyboard Level 2 and 3 assignments to include more difficult repertoire
options to differentiate the instruction between the three levels. I offered the students several
resources (imslp, etc.) for *legally* finding classical piano sheet music for them to learn and
practice. I offered a few suggestions for some of my students, and even talked to a few of them
over Canvas about what pieces they are currently working on. I am still working on the
Keyboard 1 students, as many of them have yet to make any contact on Canvas or turn in any
assignments.
I have enjoyed listening to some of my students who turned in videos of their practice this
week. Two of my students sent in audio recordings of a piano piece they are working on and a
musical theater student sent in a video of a monologue they learned. I really enjoyed connecting
with the students in this way – I am missing being in the classroom for sure!