Artifact 8

I used the Practica Musica software during my freshman year of college for theory assignments but had never really considered the software from a music teacher's perspective. I was really impressed with what I discovered during my evaluation and would definitely consider using this in my music classes, for both instruction and evaluation. I was also really impressed with how I could customize the activities according to students' ability and what they achieve.

Alignment with NETS-T

2B. I applied current research on teaching and learning with technology when researching information for this software review.

2C. This evaluation assisted me in identifying and locating technology resources and evaluating them for accuracy and suitability.

4C. This software allows me apply multiple methods of evaluation to determine students' appropriate use of technology resources for learning, communication, and productivity.

6B. This evaluation allowed me apply technology resources to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities.

Alignment with INTASC Principles

Principle 1. The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for students.

Principle 3. The teacher understands how students differ in their approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.

Principle 4. The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.

Principle 5. The teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

Principle 7. The teacher plans instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals.

Principle 8. The teacher understands and uses formal and informal assessment strategies to evaluate and ensure the continuous intellectual, social and physical development of the learner.

Principle 9. The teacher is a reflective practitioner who continually evaluates the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (students, parents, and other professionals in the learning community) and who actively seeks out opportunities to grow professionally.