TPACK

Brief description with a simple example of each of:

Content Knowledge:

- subject that needs to be learned or taught.

- Ex. Art class, you learn about colour, form, shape, lines, perspective, etc.

Pedagogical Knowledge:

- deep knowledge about processed or practises of teaching and learning

- how students learn, lesson planning, student assessment, how students acquire skills

Technology Knowledge:

- There is only one way to doing something which can be used of all forms of technological tools

Pedagogical Content Knowledge

- This is applicable when teaching specific content

- different ways to represent information, for example; differentiated instruction

- teach misconceptions

- access student’s prior knowledge

- find alternative ways to the same conclusion

Technological Content Knowledge:

- understanding the manner in which the technology and the content influence and constrain one other

- understand when one type of technology fits better in a particular situation than another

- content dictates which technological tool is used

Technological Pedagogical Knowledge:

- understanding of how teaching and learning can change when a particular technological device is - used in a particular way

- ex. whiteboard is editable, visual for all students and placed in the front of the class to elicit that is for the teacher to use

Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK):

“TPACK is the basis of effective teaching with technology, requiring an understanding of the representation of concepts using technologies, pedagogical techniques that use technologies in constructive ways to teach content, knowledge of what makes concepts difficult or easy to learn and how technology can help redress some of the problems that students face, knowledge of students’ prior knowledge and theories of epistemology, and knowledge of how technologies can be used to build on existing knowledge to develop new epistemologies or strengthen old ones”(Koehler, Mishra & Cain, 2013, p.16).”

1. What might be some strategies to help teachers understand TPACK and its importance to teaching and learning?

It is important to understand teacher’s prior experience with technology first to understand how to help them with understanding TPACK. It is also essential that teachers know what technological tool is available to them and how to use it. Trial and error is always effective but has to be done without the students present. Asking the students also what piece of technology they feel is beneficial for them and their learning development. Having multiple opportunities for technology to be used is a beneficial way for students to become familiar with the technology and generate a stronger opinion for which one suits their learning style.

2. How can the TPACK framework help teachers see technology as a teaching tool for the benefit of student learning?

Teachers can research ways that TPACK is already being implemented in other areas. They can also communicate with colleagues how they are implementing TPACK. Also, they can practice with different technological tools to see which tool they understand best and can use in their own planning and teaching.

3. When planning a lesson involving technology, which parts of TPACK are more important than others? When does the balance shift? Explain your thinking.

I believe pedagogical content knowledge is the most important because it is about matching the technology to the student’s varying needs and goals. Technological pedagogy knowledge is also important because it is essential to learn how to use the technology in order to tailor it to the children’s individual needs. There must always be a balance within the to ways. This collaboration must be constantly re evaluated to ensure that the technology is working effectively for the children.

4. In what ways are newer digital technologies challenging to teachers teaching today’s students?

The implementation of any new technology will be a challenge to teachers. Since most teachers were not exposed to these technologies in their schooling, there will be a learning curve to teach with these tools. It is essential that there are educational workshops that inform and make aware how these technological tools can be used effectively in the classroom.

5. How does the TPACK framework contribute to research in the teaching field?

The TPACK model helps to establish what parts of the framework are beneficial to the students; establish which part needs more guidance or which section needs to be revised. It is a good framework to use as a teacher and is a way to collect data to revise, design and refine educational needs and assessments. I believe it is important to have a forum that teachers can access to share challenges and strengths when using the TPACK framework. Networking is a beneficial tool for educators and is a very helpful way to assess the benefits of this model.

Reference

Koehler, M. J., Mishra, P. & Cain, W. (2013). What is technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK)? Journal of Education, 193(3), 13-19.