FAEA Winter 2010 Meeting

Digital Portfolio Assessment

Kim Letellier, Music Team LeaderLos Alamos Public Schools

February 4, 2010

Introduction

Current GoalsContribute to a digital portfolio to capture multimedia assessment of student instruction in music.

Good assessment tool for final project to determine exit skills.

Improve cross-district uniformity of instruction and achievement.

Present focus on technology in the music classroom

Third year for mobile labs in music classrooms

Getting Started

Started as a desire to use GarageBand in the music classroom (inspired by teacher in-service)

Good tool for teaching elements of music.

Good assessment tool for final project to determine exit skills.

Compatible with district technology resources

Provided to 5th and 6th grade at all 5 schools (~600 students)

Tools of the Trade

Hardwarecomputer with GarageBand and server access for @ student

headphones for each computer

recording equipment

CDs for burning final copies

Software:Basic knowledge of GarageBand

GarageBand jam pack – optional

Teacher ImplementationIndividual site implementation

Used GB to introduce elements of music (structured exploration)

Established familiarity with software

Introduced mechanics needed for creative expression

Exchange of creative projects via team meetings

AssessmentRubrics developed for final project (includes peer evaluation)

Rubric Example

Classroom Integration

One-on-one laptop initiative.

6th graders use computers to archive their work – class work, reflections, projects, special events.

GarageBand projects will be part of their final classroom portfolio.

Lessons Learned

Rewards:Student creativity

Digital media resonates with “social electronics”

Facilitates cross district comparisons

Challenges:Tech support

Consistency across district

Critical Needs:Individual computer stations

Future Plans

Continued utilization of initial technology investment

Expand use to younger students Grades 3-5

Working towards cross district rubric consistent with music curriculum

Encouraging all site teachers to submit music projects to portfolio

k.letellier@laschools.net