Network Learning Project FINAL (Learn the Mandolin)

Six weeks have past since I first decided to learn the Mandolin for my CEP 810 project. This project has been fun yet challenging at times. The project goal was to learn a new skill (in 6 weeks) using only youtube and “help forums”. I decided I would learn the mandolin. This may seem sort of obscure, but I had seen one lying around the house and always wanted to pick it up and give it a try. The mandolin belongs to my mother, who plays violin, but never learned to play the mandolin (so it collected dust and had a missing string for as long as I remember seeing it).

I play guitar and I thought mandolin would be cool to play with some of my friends who also play guitar. I went to Marshal Music to get it re-strung. The instrument technician who re-strung the instrument kind of gave me a hard time when I told him about the project (using only youtube and help forums). He condescendingly said “good luck with that”. I’m here today to tell you and show you that I proved him wrong. So if you’re out there instrument tech…take a look! Here is my video! Feel free to comment below.

My goal was to learn the instrument at a novice level. I wanted to learn how to tune it, some chords, and some songs I could play and sing to. I successfully achieved my goal and met my objective, but it wasn’t always easy. I will explain the process.

The Learning Process:

Using youtube was helpful for many reasons. I found a video series of a gentleman, named Brad Laird, who taught the instrument from a basic level. His videos are here. I found his videos extremely helpful. I liked how he showed the instrument and modeled how you should hold and play the instrument. One of the best things about this learning strategy was that it was easily accessible. I could watch the videos whenever I had time. There was no rugged schedule I had to stick to and I could watch things over and over again or skip ahead when I already knew a concept. One minor issue I did experience while learning using youtube was when I had a question I could not get instant feedback. One reason having an instructor is so helpful is they can watch what you are doing right and tell you what you are doing wrong. They can also give you tips to fix it and you can ask them questions and receive feedback.

Using help forums was also beneficial, but I found that many struggles of beginners were typical stringed instrument problems. I did not experience these struggles because I already play the guitar. Things like: my right hand won’t strum the correct rhythms or my left hand has a hard time switching between chords. My background in guitar was helpful in this aspect of the instrument. The help forum I visited most often was at mandolincafe.com. Another common problem in the beginner blog section was the fact that the left hand fingers hurt badly pressing down the strings. Again, my fingers already had calluses from my 8 years of playing guitar.

Recommended for learning:

I would recommend using this method of learning for students who are independent learners. I would suggest this method as a supplemental resource to private lessons. This could provide an ease and transition to new concepts and help the process immensely. I plan on providing my students with youtube videos to supplement learning in the classroom and encouraging them to look for digital resources to reinforce classroom concepts.

Cooking with TPACK

This week in my Educational Technology class (CEP 810), we studied using Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) in education. Developed by MSU scholars Dr. Matthew Koehler and Dr. Punya Mishra, this approach to educational technology is not about using the latest digital technologies in teaching. This approach is about re-thinking our technology and using critical and creative thinking skills to “repurpose” the technology. TPACK is all about redefining our tools to make them work for the task at hand. (See Dr. Mishra’s Lecture on 21st Century Learning)

 TPACK focuses on teaching with three steps: Exploring, creating, and sharing. These steps are crucial to maximizing learning, retention, and creating 21^st century scholars. It is an approach centered on using our technology in innovative ways. It gives students a space to create and share. Students can really explore and create their learning space.

In class, we were asked to make a video “Cooking with TPACK”. In the video you will see me using: a bowl, a plate, and a utensil chosen by someone with no knowledge of my task. The task was chosen at random: make a peanut butter & jelly sandwich.

The task shows how the technology I have may not be the “best” for the job, but with creative thinking and “repurposing” of the technology, I am able to achieve the objective.

Upon watching the video with a few friends & family members, they have pointed out different solutions and ways I could have “repurposed” the tools: My mom mentioned using the bowl to dump the jelly into, my brother commented that I could have just poured the jelly on the bread.

 

It is remarkable, how just sharing with my small circle of friends can provide for meaningful learning.  The video is HERE. Enjoy, “Like”, and comment!

Challenges in Learning the Mandolin (3 weeks of learning)

This week I will explain some key issues I am experiencing in learning the mandolin using only “youtube” and “help forums”. This process has actually been smoother than I had imagined. However, there have been some issues I have experienced.

 I am the type of learner, especially when it comes to learning a musical instrument that just wants to learn quickly. I have a hard time remembering what it was like when I could not play guitar or trumpet. I know I struggled a bit, like beginner would, but I have since become very skilled in each of those instruments. In fact, I majored in music for a semester of undergraduate studies at Michigan State University as a trumpet player. I decided to change majors because I believed it had turned something I enjoyed to do for fun and as a “stress reliever” into a “stressor”.

Anyways, I mentioned that story because it has been difficult for me to be a “beginner” again. 

The first thing that has been difficult for me has been simply finding time to practice. With no set time that I am scheduled to practice it has been easily left out. It seems I put it on my “to-do” list everyday. And even with my newly discovered organizational technology, springpad.com, I find myself skipping it or not making time for it. With lesson planning, studying the teaching content, grading papers, reading, doing graduate school homework, and life in general has proven to be very busy the last few weeks.

Another thing that has been a challenge in learning the instrument has been playing for longer than 20 minutes when I do find time to play. My fingers are fairly callused for playing guitar and pressing down the steel strings, however, the mandolin is double-stringed. This means that every time I play the G-string, I have to press down two strings. It gives the instrument a unique and “folksy” sound, but means I have to build up stronger calluses on my left-hand finger tips.

As a learner, it has been a challenge learning without a teaching book. I have a good ear, so I can hear things and usually figure out how to play them, but learning the basics without a book to sit down with has been difficult. The youtube videos have been great for starting, stopping, and repeating certain teachings, but have also been limited in communicating questions back-forth (as you would with a hands-on instructor). This is where the “help-forums” come in handy. However, these have been difficult to navigate and sometimes you won’t get answers right when you need them. By the time, you get a response or find a response that answers the question it is stopping time.

Now, besides these difficulties, I am seeing a lot of progress and having fun doing it. This has been a great experience and I am right on pace for reaching my goal of learning a few songs I can sing while playing the mandolin!

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Digital Literacy Lesson Plan (Economics: Government Spending)

In my educational technologies class we have studied how the learning process is essential for creating meaningful connections to students. The “learner centered” approach encourages the teacher to facilitate learning in a positive environment that encourages collaboration and a sense of classroom community (Bransford, Brown, & Cocking 2000, p.25). This is vital to student growth. My lesson involves all these principles in a technology-based lesson designed and inspired after reading Douglas Thomas & John Seely Brown (2011) and Renee Hobbs (2011).

This is a lesson for my economics class. The lesson is about government spending and budgeting. This lesson comes toward the backend of my class in the macroeconomics section. I teach seniors at a school district that has technological capabilities to fulfill this ambitious lesson. This lesson will require computer access and will take place over 4 or 5 days. This lesson will support “21^st century” learning and promote an objective of creating autonomous “technology-literate” learners.

       Douglas Thomas & John Seely Brown (2011) suggest that learning has evolved and thrives on changes and rapid sharing of the changes (p. 37). They illustrate that the learning process should involve play and “experimental learning” should replace the classroom (teacher led) model (p.37-38). To this point, I have created a lesson that establishes a space for students to learn by analyzing information and then USING it to PLAY.

In Renee Hobbs book, Digital and Media Literacy: Connecting Culture and Classroom (2011), she talks about the importance of designing lessons around open-ended essential questions (p.15). The “open-ended” question in this lesson is:

“Which is better – tax hikes or spending cuts – when it comes to creating a balanced federal budget?”

This question has no correct answer and is open for interpretation and opinion. However, after this lesson students should have an understanding for academic and meaningful responses to this question that represents their understanding of our economy.

New technologies: I am using are googledocs and moodle in this lesson. I am also giving students space to play/experiment, then reflect and share with one another about what they learned. I use scaffolding to show students how to interpret digital articles and how to collaborate with their peers to produce a meaningful product. Students will use online resources supported by my district such as the “moodle” (course management system). Moodle is a great tool for sharing student work with one another and creating online lessons and assignments that give students space to explore. I also used my class website (located HERE) to enhance organization and student ease in understanding objectives, while staying organized.

This lesson achieves the content objectives for my curriculum (HSCEs) and also achieves a greater objective of teaching students to be “21^st century” learners. This lesson promotes skills in digital literacy and collaboration with peers. It allows students freedom to express themselves in a meaningful way and collaborate with peers whom agree and disagree with them to make them a well-rounded individual. The complete lesson plan and rational can be viewed HERE.  Enjoy.

REFERENCES:

 Bransford, J.D., Brown , A.L., & Cocking, R.R. (Eds.). (2000). How people learn: Brain, mind, experience, and school. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.

Hobbs, R. (2011). Digital and media literacy: Connecting culture and classroom. Thousand, Oaks, CA: Corwin/Sage.

Thomas, D., & Brown, J. S. (2011). A new culture of learning: Cultivating the imagination for a world of constant change. Lexington, Ky: CreateSpace?.

Getting Things Done (“Efficiently”)

This week in my educational technology class we studied the “Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-free Productivity”, by David Allen (2001). Allen talks a great deal about the “chaos” that occurs in our mind. He lays out a plan to help you best avoid the sense feeling overwhelmed and “crazy busy”.

Allen suggests (at TED) that it is NOT an issue of MORE TIME. The issue is we need more space to think creatively. He suggests that if we can become “appropriately engaged” in the correct tasks, we will become more productive and less stressed. (VIDEO)

He argues that we get bogged down in our everyday life from the massive, and ambiguous, “to-do” lists in our minds. So many of these points seemed clear to me and felt on point with experiences I have as a teacher.

PERSONAL NOTE: I am constantly struggling with looking at my task in huge terms and feeling overwhelmed by losing my perspective. Every Sunday afternoon-night I get sick to my stomach because I know I have a huge workload I need to complete before I am ready to enter the classroom on Monday. I tend to view the Sunday as a time to think about the entire week (or entire Unit at times). Every Sunday I feel overwhelmed. Every Sunday my brain starts thinking about 100 different things and I become stressed out about how I will complete them all. I write lists, but my lists are always out of order (in priority of importance). Another problem is I jump around on my lists. I become “counter-productive” (I complete tasks that are not essential for completion while putting off the tasks that NEED direct attention). So how can I use a technology tool to help me?

SOLUTION: (SPRINGPAD.COM)

A helpful solution I have discovered this week is springpad.com. This tool allows me to dump information that needs to be accomplished and to revisit it, re-map it, tag it, and prioritize it in a quick and easy format. It also allows me to set deadlines. This tool is extremely helpful. It can give me warnings and let me know what I have been “putting off” for too long.

I was skeptical about using an online “to-do list” because I felt like it would be a waste of time. I already make “to-do” lists on paper, why would I take the extra time to write this same stuff online. So far, I have been pleasantly surprised and I have only just begun to use the features of this online resource.

This week it has been a helpful tool and I plan on continuing to use it. I have only used the “desktop” version so far, but plan on trying the tablet app soon.

Tips: use this site in the morning. Make a “tasks list” and check things off or add things as they come to mind. You may add long term goals and separate them by different lists to re-visit them at a later date (when you have more time to THINK CREATIVELY!).

All in all, I am happy with this resource and plan on continuing to explore the different tools that are available using Springpad.com.

It’s so simple. Here is what your page might look like:

Learning the Mandolin UPDATE

As mentioned before, I am learning the mandolin. The first step I had to do was to get the thing re-strung and ready to play. When I went into Marshall Music and to the back, I asked the instrument technician if he would sting it. He strung it up and then started playing a song and asked how I got interested in mandolin. I told him the story of how my project called for us to learn a skill using only youtube and help forums. I said I was having a tough time deciding and say a “dusty mandolin” sitting by the piano and thought “why not!”. He gave me the mandolin and said “well, good luck with that”. I knew he didn’t think I’d have much of a chance at success, but I will prove him wrong!

As I took it home, I knew it would be a challenge. The first thing I had to do was re-tune it. New strings tend to stretch quite a bit (I knew this from my experience as a guitar player). As I went to youtube to hear the pitches of each string, I found the guy I had watched when I first decided to take on this task, Brad Laird. In the youtube channel “Free Guitar Videos” Brad Laird does a great job of laying out the basics of learning the mandolin. He teaches everything from tuning the instrument to basic chords (video)  to basic scales.

I have made some excellent progress. I have learned a few different chords and I am getting better at transitioning between them. Playing scales has been a challenge. The instrument is quite a bit different from a guitar and the strings and finger movements seem even stranger to me. I do not know how much soloing I will be doing, but learning a song using chords to sing with should be possible at this point.

The Help Forums have been less helpful. A lot of the comments suggest: taking private lessons, buying beginner books, or focus on a style like bluegrass picking. Also individuals are experiencing problems that I do not have, such as strumming rhythms and staying on beat while playing with others in a band. There are many problems with playing in front of others and the instrument with both hands independently. I have checked many forums including, mandolincafe.com. I am not playing in a band or group so as far as I know, I am keeping good rhythm and staying in tempo while I am trying to play songs.

The story on the “dusty mandolin”

Ben Rimes commented previously about a “mandolin just lying around” and asked about a story behind this. The story I know is my mother received it as a gift from my grandmother. My mom plays the violin and had a desire to learn mandolin. The strings on a mandolin are tuned the same way as a violin, so she thought she could easily transition to the instrument. She quickly found out that the skill-set to playing violin and mandolin were much different. Violin is played with a bow and mandolin is strummed like a guitar. Also, the finger calluses needed for mandolin are different (mandolin is double stringed each note and has steel strings). The last bit of difference that made her give up was learning the chords in a mandolin. She was used to playing one note at a time, with violin, in an orchestra. As a result, the mandolin became a nice decoration to put near the piano and collect dust. UNTIL NOW!

Teaching Popplet

This gallery contains 1 photo.

This popplet was made on popplet.com. In my educational technology class, CEP 810, we have been exploring new ways of displaying information and networking with other teachers around the globe. This is the first step in understanding where I currently get extra-resources and information about teaching. My network is currently based heavily around who I […]

Learning the Mandolin

This week in my educational technology class I was asked to learn something in six weeks using only “youtube” videos and “help forums”. It is supposed to be something achievable yet ambitious. I have chosen to start learning the Mandolin. You might think this is a tough task and something obscure, but I have had one laying around my house, gathering dust and 7 of the 8 strings on it (but rusted), for a little while and never really found a reason to learn it. I do enjoy listening to the occasional bluegrass and country music, so this sounds like a cool instrument to learn.

I believe I will be capable of learning a “novice” level of mandolin in 6 weeks due to my musical knowledge and ability. I currently play guitar. This should help with my fingers understanding certain mechanisms, but the strings and size is completely different.

I have began to search “Youtube” and found a multitude of resources. The first video I watched was Brad Laird’s video, from “Free Guitar Videos”, Mandolin Lessons: Getting Started. He goes slow, which is good for a beginner like me. I have also searched helpful tips and found a couple discussion forums that talk about certain picking techniques that I will have to explore more in the coming weeks. I have not yet bought an 8^th string, but I am planning on getting it fixed up on Monday and undertaking this journey to learn mandolin in 6 weeks! HERE WE GO!!!

What is Learning?

In CEP 810 this week, I have been asked to write an essay that explores what I understand about learning, understanding, and conceptual change. The essay has been influenced by my reading this week of Bransford, Brown & Cocking’s (2000) How People Learn. I focused on two essential questions: 1) What is Learning? and 2)What teaching methods support learning and its related concepts — understanding and conceptual change? I defined learning as a process of changing what we know to acquire skills that help us adapt to the world around us. I go into great depth about how to learn like “experts” and the techniques that have been successful in creating “life-long learners” and critical thinkers in education. The focus is on how teaching for understanding and teaching students to think deeply about connecting ideas will lead to deeper understanding and increase retention.

The full essay is titled “What is Learning & How can we Teach Others to Learn like Experts?” and is available –  HERE.

Introduction

WELCOME!

This blog is designed to improve, innovate, share and discover successful & new ideas in education. It is meant to be “Winning at Education” by encouraging others to learn, think, and express understanding of themselves and those around them. Education is NOT confined to the classroom. Learning is a life-long process of growing and adapting the world around us. Learning is a natural process of curiosity about the world. It is practiced by: questioning, experimenting, and reflecting. It is an individual journey of understanding complexities in our society. It is all encompassing. Learning a broad curriculum helps us become well-rounded individuals, but more importantly it helps us develop our interests and talents. Education is the best way lift people out of poverty and the best way to create productive citizens. Students should leave high school confident and equipped with the academic and social skills necessary to fully participate in our democratic society. This blog will focus on education, learning styles, teaching strategies, utilizing technology, and student centered learning.

The MISSION: Improve our schools by providing a more meaningful and creative approach to teaching. Changing approaches to allow for more student engagement, creativity and well-rounded education by promoting a teaching philosophy that facilitates critical thinking and individual growth.