TPACK is something I've learned about in more than one class now. Last semester we spent quite a bit of time learning about it in Intro. to Exceptionalitites. There are multiple parts to TPACK that all combine together to make it up. T stands for technological knowledge. This is the partner, what tool you will use. The C stands for content knowledge. This is the what: what subject matter are you teaching. The P stands for pedagogical knowledge. This is the tool, how will you be teaching the students. The videos I found most helpful to explain the 3 parts of TPACK and how they all work together were TPACK 101 and TPACK in two minutes. These were really helpful in showing how the separate parts work together to deliver what the video described as "the sweet spot". This is the center of TPACK where all the parts work together to deliver the product!
Obviously I do not have my own classroom yet, however, I've been in an elementary school classroom from an outsiders perspective and as a student. Now looking at classrooms from an older, somewhat more educated, perspective I understand that everything in a classroom has a purpose. This is why as a teacher, whenever I am considering bringing in new tools, I have to ask myself how this will benefit my students. How can I use this tool to tach the content I need to teach my students. As educators, we want everything in our classrooms to benefit our students in the best way possible. So I guess the number one question I would ask would be how can I use this tool to the best of my abilities, for the benefit of my students.
One of the biggest issues with integrating tools into the classroom is teachers not being prepared to incorporate technology into the classroom. This is due to the fact that, when it comes to technology, there is a lot to know. Especially to teach it. If you are looking to teach something you have to have a pretty big grasp on the subject in order to teach it. However, my biggest issue with some technology is that this may leave come students out. I say this mainly because of the school I work at. At Leggett majority of the students there do not have a lot of the technology, that you and I have. This therefore hinders their ability to use these devices. Not only is the teacher now having issues using it but so is the student. When this happens teachers are now spending more time teaching students how to use these things instead of the content portion. Obviously this is not the case for every school, a lot of children are more technology advanced than I am. But I still think that is something we need to keep in mind! With, what I just said, in mind. When I am a teacher I plan to ensure that whatever I incorporate in my classroom is something I'm fully able to use AND explain. That way I'm not hindering my students because I'm incapable. As well I plan on using what I know will enhance my students learning by things they have access to. This doesn't mean that we aren't able to incorporate things that the children do not have at home. However, I feel we would need to incorporate them as more recreational first and then educational. For example, if we have iPads available to us, but the children have never worked with iPads before, I would want them to have access to them first by playing games and things. That way they become familiar with them before they are expected to use them to learn! On another note, if I am not able to explain a tool I would like to use in my classroom I will learn more about it and ensure I can explain it to my students before introducing it.
I guess my biggest question with TPACK is where do I start. Can I start at any of the three. Or is there a specific place I need to start. I worry about this because what if I have a great tool that I could really use in my classroom but I'm not sure of what subject to pair it with. Should I be starting with what content I want to teach and then decide the tool and the how I will get it across to my students or can I start from any angle. If I were to answer this right now I would say that you could start at any angle. It may be more difficult to start at one or the other, depending on the subject or tool or even how you are trying to convey, but it can be done. Or at least I think it can be done, I guess that is something I will have to look more into and figure out as a teacher!
No comments:
Post a Comment