Clinics
Clinician
Mark D. Wells
Clinician
Music Technology
Technology in music education provides incredible opportunities for both music professionals and students alike.
I have had the honor to present on variety of educational topics at conferences and professional development events. From grading to gamification, I love sharing my passion for technology in the classroom with fellow colleagues and educators.
“Our task is to provide an education for the kind of kids we have… not the kind of kids we used to have… or want to have… or the kids that exist in our dreams.” -Mary Kay Utecht
2020
MMC Conference
Playing with Power
Powering up student retention by making the mundane fun-dane and engaging. Even those who feel they are not tech-savvy can do this! Gamification harnesses the natural tendency for student attention and engagement. Presentation in collaboration with Mark Lago and Brad Beyer.
Students Will Appreciate….
- Performing their quizzes from the comfort of their own homes in a stress-free environment, sans peer judgement
- Being able to submit their best effort
- Getting feedback specific to their personal performance, not just their section/ensemble
- Making personal connections with their teacher(s)
- Earning grades that reflect their individual effort and proficiency
2017
MMC Conference
Assessments Made Easy
Presentation in collaboration with Bill Bier and Josh Bartz on using Google Classroom, EdPuzzle and Schoology.
Teachers Will Appreciate…
- Giving quick and concise feedback to individual students ON THEIR OWN TIME
- Assessing individual student ability and progress without using precious ensemble rehearsal time
- Streamlining the process of grading and listening to playing tests and individual student performance assessments
- Making personal connections with their students
- Use data to show individual student growth (teacher evaluations) Very impressive to administrators!
- Showing the videos to parents during conferences
2012
MMC Conference
Technology inside and outside the Classroom
This presentation provides a collection of technology resources to be used inside and outside of the classroom. The goal of using these technologies is to encourage and inspire students using platforms they are familiar with and for teachers to become familiar with resources and tools to help streamline the teaching process.
Summer Teacher Professional Development Series Speaker
Summers of 2018, 2017
Mainly using Schoology as a means to provide student feedback.
For performance based classes, not a lot, except for:
1) After a concert – student feedback and reflection
2) Test review / study / preparation.
Our goal is to NOT have to make changes. More importantly, to not have the students do anything they don’t already do – like use their phones and devices. The intention is to utilize already familiar processes.
Don’t be afraid to try it, then discard it if it doesn’t fit. Chances are, there is something out there that does fit, and will work for your needs. Our philosophy is that the tech needs to enhance (and save time) on the teacher side, or it isn’t going to be used. It needs to be simple and quick on the student-side, or they won’t embrace it either.
A lot, but nothing replaces what we do in the classroom. Technology, for us, is a means to reach more students individually and faster. (Remind, Schoology, etc..) The impact has been very positive – students get more feedback from us individually, and we have more time to do the feedback because of how easy / quick it is to get it done.
Playing tests using Schoology and Peardeck for the IB music class has been most useful for me.
Great question! I’ve been fortunate to receive financial support from my administration. Tech program, such as even Youtube, for example require monthly subscriptions and along come fees. This has been especially helpful.
As far as training and professional development – I am eager to learn and adapt new technology on my own. I love learning from my peers and teachers across the globe. If there is a new technology someone is using that I’m not familiar with, I’m eager to learn and adapt accoringly. Sky is the limit with technology and new developments present themselves quickly.
2017 | 2018
CBD
Technology in The Classroom
Professional development series for teachers in West Michigan who instruct Elective Classes.
Discussion of how technology can be used inside and outside of the classroom. From grading, video submissions to platforms like Schoology, Google Classroom, EdPuzzle, Prezi – I provided attendees tools and resources to streamline their teaching and enhance student learning through technology.
2020
Forest Hills Public Schools
SmartMusic
This presentation provided an overview of SmartMusic software for High School and Middle School band directors. SmartMusic is especially helpful during independent learning and online/virtual instruction.
Knollcrest Music Camp
2015-2016
Calvin College
Technology
Served as the Technology Clinician for Middle and High school camps. Topics discussed included Music Composition Apps, SmartMusic, Composition Software. Hands on activities included sampling music using Sequence software technologies.
2012-2020
EGRPS
EGRPS Presentations
As the Director of Bands at East Grand Rapids Public Schools, I have had multiple opportunities to presented to East Grand Rapids teachers. Professional development presentations for teachers of grade levels ranging from elementary through high school on topics that included student response systems such as PearDeck, learning management systems such as Schoology and Google Classroom, and the G-Suite Google Education platforms (Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, Forms and Google Drive).
East Grand Rapids Public School
GRCC Annual Audition Workshop
2007
Grand Rapids Community College
Audition Workshop
In collaboration with Dr. Yelena Wells, GRCC Audition Workshop Coordinator, I presented on the Music Education Career. Workshop attendees learned practical tips and real life application strategies to approaching a career in music education.