Integrating Technology Across Content Areas

I remember a time when teaching a cross-curricular lesson/unit meant sitting at a table with a book or two from each subject area looking for ways to tie them together into one theme.  Times have changed!  Today, a simple Google search brings information to us quickly and easily all on one screen.  The teacher still plays an important role of managing the information, choosing the best and adapting to make the good material better.  Same process, just better tools and easier access to more information.

As I began working on integrating math into other subject areas, I realized that with the integration of technology, I often also integrated other subjects.  Music is a great example of this automatic integration.  Without technology, I would have to admit the times I would integrate music into my math time would be very limited.  However, with technology, I realize most of the videos I use in my math class are songs, often parodies, which use music and lyrics to teach concepts students struggle to learn or remember.  Even further, as I looked for music videos to reinforce times tables, I found the same concepts taught with different musical genres.  One video in particular, The Little Caesars Fraction Song, teaches kids about fractions with a rap song, classical version, and one from the 50’s.  Integrating math and music is a fun way to teach students about music while focused on the areas of math.  Addressing all music standards for my grade level would take additional research and planning, but the use of technology makes this process easier.

With the introduction of 21st century standards, teachers are presented with the challenge of incorporating multiple subjects into a single lesson.  Technology is expected to be incorporated into our lessons as well.  For music, technology tools have always had an important role in our lives.  From the tools to create the music to the devices that record and play the music we enjoy, music is influenced by technology.  According to Roblyer and Doering (2014), technology use in art and music education has the potential to transform the learners’ experience, but teachers may need support in teaching the content area.  Professional development for teachers in both the use of technology and the content areas are important.  Teachers need to be supported and given the time to implement technology and gain content knowledge.  

Resources

Kassner, K. (2010). Using music technology in the classroom. Retrieved from https://education.fcps.org/trt/sites/default/files/karen/musictech.pdf

Roblyer, M.D., & Doering, Aaron H. (2013) Integrating educational technology into teaching (6th edition). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc