After reading about what TPACK is and also reading the peer review paper, I have a better understanding as to what we are covering in class. TPACK stands for technology, pedagogical and content knowledge. Many of the papers we read were about understanding this subject and how it is used in the classroom. The basic framework of the subject was also mentioned as well.
Today, many teachers struggle with the basic use of technology in their classroom. The purpose of TPACK, is to create a well rounded teacher. There are several educators who are strong in their knowledge of technology, but lack in their content knowledge. Others, however, may be a bit old school and are still using the same teaching habits. These are the teachers who have been teaching for twenty years and have never incorporated technology in their classroom. Either they do not want to or they do not know how. A common problem for educators, is their simply does not have to funding to provide proper technology in classes. This could put a bind on the success of each student's education. Classrooms need technology to continue to flow with an ever evolving technological society.
Some teachers understand the content knowledge, but not technology and sometimes do not ask how they would take into consideration the knowledge of the students. Teachers need to remember to ask the students how much they know about technology and how they wish to incorporate it into the classroom if possible. By asking the students, educators could see the benefits of technology pedagogy. Everyone has to be able to understand technology, the subject content and then ask how they can use all of this together as one. Thus creating a well rounded teacher.
By understanding and using technology in the classroom, I fully believe it could benefit not only the students, but also the teachers. We live in a fast paced world where technology is advancing every part of our lives on a daily basis. To keep up, we need to start with the education of our children and helping them to succeed. Our teachers and students need to be better equipped with the knowledge and resources of technology in the classroom. I think my generation of educators really has it easier when it comes to TPACK. It is the older generation who may have some catching up to do.
After reading the TPACK article it also helped me understand that they are trying to set the foundation of the framework of learning and having the teachers have all three under their belt. By covering all three, teachers will become well rounded and balanced to help students succeed no matter what is used in the classrooms. This will benefit both students and teachers and enhance their knowledge better.
ReplyDeleteYour post content was great and covered everything about the TPACK; however, I think adding more of what you think and what you will do to use technology in the classroom would make your post exceptional. I agree with your statement that the older generation has a difficult time adjusting to the changing technology than the younger generation.
ReplyDeleteDon't we all wish that schools were better funded allowing teachers to truely give their students every advantage they can. Sadly for many educators this is a far fetched dream. However I feel like the TPACK is very flexible and is designed to allow teachers to do what they can with what they have. I also believe that a little effort in learning to use the technology to its full intent would be beneficial for current and future educators.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you I think it is important for teachers to integrate TPACK into their daily lessons as much as possible. It will make them a well rounded teacher that is very helpful to their students. The problem now is to find a way to make this possible for all schools not just the ones that are able to afford the technology.
ReplyDeleteI like how you emphasized the growing need for people to know how to use technology, and the problem that this poses for schools that can not afford everything that they need. I also agree with your points about how some teachers are not able to use technology, or aren't well rounded.
ReplyDeleteTechnology is a benefit for all of us teachers, students, and even the parents! It is so important for us to keep up with the times. Anymore, technology is becoming a way of learning so in order for us teach reach our students, we must teach them however they learn best.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your second paragraph in explaining the many disadvantages some teachers might come across. it really helps put things into perspective on how TPACK might be difficult to try to enforce. Especially the paragraph in which teachers do not understand technology.
ReplyDeleteYour post emerges a topic that researchers have found, that is the constant training teachers need throughout their years in education. I'm sure just as we, pre-service teachers have a whole technology world in front of us and don't fully know how to operate everything; that is the same issue the elderly are facing. To fix this problem, training must take place. I have seen elderly teachers that are up to date in technology, they truly are fascinating!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your comment that many teachers struggle with the basic use of technology. I myself find technology difficult to use at times. I also agree that our generation may have it easier than the older teachers that have been teaching for many years.
ReplyDeleteUsing TPACK within daily lesson plans can help benefit not only students but as well as the teachers. I believe that teachers learn more about the subject that they are teaching as they put together the lesson plan. Teachers can learn to use new technology as they are putting together new lectures to teach their students.
ReplyDeleteI don't know what will be more difficult, keeping up with the students or keeping up with the new technology that is constantly evolving. The constant evolution of technology is one thing that makes me doubt the impact lesser funded schools will be able to have with technology in classrooms.
ReplyDeleteYour reflection makes me think of the teacher evaluation. Teacher evaluations are a "promising and yet controversial" aspect to learn how teachers perform in the teaching arena though many scholars criticize the true values of teacher qualities if evaluations become one of the determinants. In my opinion, being a teacher is not only a life- learning profession but also a service to the public, which require a set of evaluations either from outsiders or self to reflect our own practicum and to grow our expertise. I will utilize the peer evaluations for our class during the microteaching sessions and you may reflect your learning to this article and ask the feedback from the actual classroom teacher if you get the chance to teach one unit in the classroom!
ReplyDeleteI agree completely that the older generation of educators have plenty of catching up to do, and this includes myself. I have always been behind on technology because I have little patience for it most of the time; however, I understand the great need posed in education which requires me to become proficient with the use of technology, especially in the classroom.
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