First let me start off by saying that this is my first public blog post ever and I am extremely excited! Over the last week in EDU 451/617 we have read and watched a lot of material on both the TPACK and the SAMR models. Although both models seem logical and impressive, I would like to choose the TPACK model for this discussion. TPACK stands for the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge , but we will just call it TPACK because that is a lot more simplistic. The "T" stands for technical knowledge or the ability to use technology such as a computer, tablet etc. The "C" stands for content knowledge or subjects like science, language arts, math and social studies. Therefore it is what the teacher is teaching the students. The "P" stands for pedagogical knowledge which is the ability to teach something. Although you might be a "math person" and would say that you are good at math does not mean that you have the ability to teach math.
The way that each circle overlaps within the vin-diagram represents the way that teaching, technology and subject knowledge should overlap in the classroom. I like this model because it makes more sense to me than the SAMR model, the way it is drawn and displayed. In 2006 Mishra and Koehler combined their models together to create TPACK. In a classroom it can be very difficult to find a balance with technology integration; when to use or not to use the iPads, laptops, games or even smart boards or projectors for note-taking or research. It is hard to find a peaceful center where the teacher is still comfortable, the students can handle the responsibility and get the work done. Sometimes using too much technology, or not fully understanding the technology you are using inside the classroom can make or break the entire lesson. Although technology is rapidly growing and advancing, if used incorrectly it could end up hurting the student later down the road.
One way of using technology and integrating the TPACK model would be to use Google Docs, Notes or any other note taking application that allows each student to take their own set of notes, but it can be quickly and easily accessed or share between others. So, in this Note Taking Example, he/ she is taking notes for her science class. The teacher can easily access those notes by the link or they can easily be shared or emailed to the professor or anyone else in the classroom. Applications like google docs allows multiple people to edit and work on the same document at once all around the world.
This picture is an example of groups or folders that allows a person to share multiple files to multiple people in seconds. So the picture above is a classroom of students sharing their notes or documents with the teacher directly through Google Drive. Having this technology integrated into the classroom is very helpful and it can be a lot easier to come back to. Things like note taking or journal writing can easily take up a lot of paper and being a teacher and trying to keep up with 25+ papers at a time can be hard, so having the ability to use technology in a way that is helpful is important. And, also a lot more organized!
In a recent assignment I was asked to choose a content area and come up with a list of my own "newer" technologies or inventions to integrate into the curriculum. There was a three column chart which I will display below: In the chart we were asked to change the third column and find our own tools to help teach our chosen standards.
So, just like my above example of using a tablet or certain applications to enhance note taking, the table represents a TPACK example of teaching a "World Language Activity". I find this model or chart as a "chart on a cart" in which it can be easily revised and altered to fit the rapid rate of technology growth. It took me the most time actually searching all over for the "possible technology" sources. I wanted to find things that were going to be helpful and assist me in teaching and not hurt or complicate what I was trying to get across. This activity defiantly make me think and dig a little deeper into thinks that I have never really given much thought before now. The TPACK model holds my vote because it is easily edited and gives actual examples of possible technologies to use and go off of.
Lauren!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your first blog(: I really enjoyed reading it because I like the way that you explained your reasons for use of the TPACK. I also liked seeing why you would use the TPACK because (You read mine) I was in favor of the SAMR model more.
I do like the TPACK method, and I think that it is a great way to get students to be more engaged. I also like the fact that teachers can look at students notes because it helps them to see one if they are engaged as students, and second to see if they are getting the main points of what they are trying to teach.
Also, I love your world language activity!
I do enjoy TPACK for being able to engage students, I just still see the con of teachers diving in too fast, and that I why I like the SAMR because of the different levels.
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