The concept of TPACK derives from
the idea that technology, pedagogy, and content can work together. The
interaction between these three occurs in a specific context, thus outcomes
will vary in each classroom. This interaction of teacher’s knowledge can result
in the appropriate implementation of the three to create a unique experience
for students. TPACK is also the result of extensive research based on Lee Shulman's concept of Pedagogical Content Knowledge. Matt Koehler
and Punya Mishra added technology to this idea and expanded it to create TPACK.
TPACK stands for Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge. The result of adding technology to
the previous concept extends the possibilities for a rich and vast classroom
experience. Because technology surrounds almost all of us, teachers must learn
to take advantage of it to incorporate it as a teaching technique. This is part
of TPACK’s goal of understanding how technology, pedagogy, and content
interrelate.
To understand how these three types
of knowledge work together, we must know what each mean. Technological
Knowledge refers to teacher’s ability with technological tools. This idea includes
the tools a teacher might need to implement them in any lesson. These might
include laptops, IPads, cameras, and smart tables to name a few. In addition,
other resources such as Google Earth, word processors, or any other software
can be useful. The use of technology will enable the teacher to help the
students understand the lesson easily.
In addition to Technological
Knowledge, there is Pedagogical Knowledge. This refers to theories and methods
of instruction. Pedagogy is how teachers implement each lesson. This include
if the lesson will be in the form of a debate, a group discussion, or with
direct instruction to name a few. It is here where teachers demonstrate and
apply what they know about how their students learn and how to address it.
The third type of knowledge is
Content Knowledge. It refers to the subject matter. This is where teachers need
to identify the purpose of their lesson. In addition, it involves the
implementation of learning standards and the goal of the activity. Content
includes knowing about the subject such as Math and Science, as well as other
concept, theories, ideas, and approaches to use.
As these three types of knowledge
connect and interact with each other, new types are created. These are
Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK), Technological Content Knowledge (TCK),
Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK), and Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK). PCK refers to how teachers represent
the subject matter in a way that adapts it to student’s needs and knowledge.
For example, a teacher arranging a science activity by groups of four. She
takes in consideration the pedagogy (work in groups) and the content (Science).
TCK occurs when technology is applied to change the subject matter. For
example, a teacher using Google Earth so students learn about the relation of
the location of mountains and the interaction of tectonic plates. TPK is an
understanding of how we can take advantage of technology to use it in
particular ways. The result of the interaction of all three types of knowledge
is TPACK. It is the representation of all three working together. Matthew Koehler and Punya Mishra describe it as a way in which all three are equally important
and interactive.
For me, TPACK is a unique
understanding of how knowledge must be seen as interactive rather than isolated.
It is a way to bring all previous knowledge together and enhance them with the
use of technology. Technology surrounds us more and more every day. As
teachers, we need to be informed and well prepared to take advantage of any
innovation. This will benefit our students by preparing them for using them in
the future.
If teachers know how the
three types of knowledge interact, they will easily identify ways to implement
them in their classroom. Teachers need to be aware of all the different tools to
which they have access. This will enable them to mold those tools, combine them
with their own content and pedagogy, and create a unique learning environment
for their students. An easy way to know which technology to use is to learn
about new technological trends. In addition, about ways other teachers use them.
This will give them an idea of what other students are having access to and
implement them in their own classroom.
Image of what is TPACK
TPACK explanation in two minutes
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