Our latest Interactive Learning Program involved students in Shelburne and Charlotte Central Schools.  Charlotte is a town in our school District, located approximately 10 miles from the Shelburne Community School.  Interactive television became a practical way for our schools to work together, as busing, and the time spent transporting students back and forth, was time away from our students.

 Allyson Ledoux (Charlotte music educator) and Diana Burritt (Shelburne Music Educator) were pleased with the progress their students were making in Music Composition and felt this interactive program would enrich the experience for everyone involved, by broadening the learning opportunities offered to our students.

 One third grade class from Shelburne, and one from Charlotte worked together in sharing their knowledge and skills in music composition.  The students in one school learned basic composition skills using vocal techniques, while students in the other school studied using instrumental techniques.  Although neither technique is better than the other, we believe that allowing our students to see and use both techniques enhanced their own learning of these skills.

 To accomplish the interactivity between the two classes, we used email and the Internet.  We also used the services of RETN (Regional Educational Television Network) on the local cable system.  Students  gained knowledge in the feedback they received from each other.

 To further broaden this program, we made arrangements for our students to share their work with residents at Shelburne Bay, a new retirement community in Shelburne, Vt.  By using the Internet and television, we brought our students work to the residents and received their feedback. 
A computer, with MusicTime software (notation) was placed at Shelburne Bay for the residents to use. Diana Burritt  conducted several workshops to teach residents how to use this software.

 We were pleased to be able to work with RETN to utilize the cable system and bring the two classrooms together, and also into the community. We presented a special live program during the week of March 19th on our local cable channel, which had our students demonstrating their composing skills, with the residents of Shelburne Bay providing immediate feedback using a special phone connection.  We plan to follow-up on this program with a live performance at Shelburne Bay.

 Then, on April 12^th, we scheduled a special live, interactive music class shown on the cable system between Shelburne and Charlotte.  During this program, students from both schools shared their work and received immediate feedback from their peers.  This program closed with a joint singing performance of both classes.  The rest of the community  tuned in to these telecasts and enjoyed the work of our young composers.  

Some of our songs are posted on our web page.  Please take a look!

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Home Page maintained by Diana Burritt
dburritt@shelburne.k12.vt.us
Last updated: October 08, 2001