WEEK TWO- The Unfolding of TPACK

BING!

I think I’ve got it.

When engaging in this weeks readings’ the first article I chose to read was Koehler and Mishra’s ‘What is Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge?’ (2009).

The title said it all…WHAT IS IT? I couldn’t have said it better myself. Afterall, that’s the question I’ve been wanting to make a connection too, find out the answer too, relate something too! And now I finally can.

Technology Integration: There is no “one best way” to integrate technology within the curriculum and classroom environment (Koehler & Mishra, 2009). In order to meet the expectations of today’s students who live in a technology enriched, electronically mediated environment, the classroom must provide interactive opportunities that will motivate and allow them to focus on learning the content rather than the task (How digital tools prepare students for the 21st century, n.d.). Koehler and Mishra (2009) state, “integration efforts should be creatively designed or structured for particular subject matter ideas in specific classroom contexts” (p. 62). This is where the three core components of the TPACK model emerge.

To effectively engage in the model, teachers should first understand the relationships among the three components in order to produce effective teaching with technology.

TPACK

Content

 Teachers can focus on a content area that they desire to enhance using technology as a means of further development.

Technology

 The technology tool chosen should compliment the content area and provide a clear, beneficial improvement for teaching that focused content area.

Pedagogy

 The teaching strategies should demonstrate an understanding of how students construct knowledge. The educator has a knowledge of the process and practices that are required in the classroom to meet the needs of the students.

As a future teacher, I need to find myself a comfortable approach with how I can use my knowledge and apply this knowledge in unique contexts within my classroom. No one said it’s going to be easy, however, I believe I am required to be sufficiently prepared to integrate technology within the classroom and value its relevance in the education of students.


REFERENCES

Koehler, M. & Mishra, P. (2009). What is technological pedagogical content knowledge? Contemporary issues in technology and teacher education, 9(1),60-70.

How digital tools prepare students for the 21st century. (n.d.). Retrieved April 5, 2011, from http://www.inspiration.com/sites/default/files/documents/How_Digital_Tools_Prepare_Students_for_the_21st_Century.pdf