TPACK
TPACK seems to be a difficult strategy to try to enforce. It stands for Technology Pedagogic Content Knowledge, which are the key characteristics to have to be a well rounded teacher. Technology is the different types of computers, devices, or programs used in a classroom. Pedagogic is the way to teach the content, in which their are different ways depending on what the content is.
Our group discussion mainly focused on the difficulty of trying to develop all of these characteristics in this day and age. Certain programs in college do not have education programs for certain majors, which can limit how much experience a future teach can get. Most of the time, students who do not go through student teaching tend to have a very hard time developing teaching skills, which effects the pedagogical aspect. A lot of schools around the country do not have the funds to be able to afford as much devices as needed, or they do not see technology as being relevant in a classroom, which can effect the technological side. It is extremely difficult for a teach to be this well rounded in our society with so many drawbacks.
I think if we are showing teachers what TPACK is and how it is beneficial that it may not be too difficult to implement. It is very important that we are using all of the areas and have knowledge in each one, not just a couple.
ReplyDeleteTeachers need to start early on learning to use TPACK. It may be easier in the long run since technology is advancing. When we did our group discussion helped gain knowledge to implement all three categories into one. It may seem easy for those schools that have money but for some that have no funding that can be a problem as it holds teachers back of not extending students knowledge. These three in the framework of TPACK makes a well rounded teacher.
ReplyDeleteI think being introduced to the TPACK method was a great stepping stone in my teacher education experience. Without this method I feel that my future students would have probably missed out on some valuable knowledge. I'm also a firm believer that you can never have to many resources or methods to fall back on, because every year your classes are going to be different and you never know what you might need.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that a lot of teachers don't utilize technology in their classrooms. I think that if the technology is available to use in the classroom that a teacher should take full advantage of it. Several of our students may not have access to technology outside of the classroom. As teachers I think it is important for us to not only prepare them in our content are, but for life in general after graduation which will include technology.
ReplyDeleteThere are indeed too many drawbacks in education programs all too often. We need to not only learn how to teach, but more importantly learn how our students learn. Alternatively certified teachers should have more of an opportunity to develop the pedagogical knowledge needed to be the best teachers they can be.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that there are many drawbacks for teachers. Although, I do think if teachers are exposed to TPACK they will find it beneficial for themselves and for their students. I do agree that it may be difficult to try to reinforce it.
ReplyDeleteYes, implementing TPACK into our classrooms will not be an easy task for us! However, if we try our best to be up to date as much as possible with content, pedagogy and technology I'm sure we can make a great use out of TPACK. Also, TPACK does help a teacher to be well rounded; although there are other characteristics a teacher must have to be well rounded rather than the ones TPACK describes.
ReplyDeleteI agree that mastering and using TPACK effectively in a classroom will be difficult. I dont think that teachers not student teaching is a problem; I think that the lack of good teachers is our problem. I believe that the lack of good teachers has come because people are becoming content and lazy with their job. If a new teacher that has not student taught is working hard they will learn and become the teacher they want to be; yes, it will be more difficult for them, but hard work and preservation will get them where they need to be.
ReplyDeleteYou post brings up the aspect of how the teacher education programs prepare technology for novice teachers. Teacher education programs are trying to teach today’s preservice teachers how to use the wide range of technologies – from old-school software and tools such as PowerPoint, videos and laptops to those ubiquitous tablets and smartphones – as classroom tools, not just as social devices for communicating with friends or playing games.
ReplyDeleteBut because of rapid technological change, the need to fit more class requirements into a curriculum already filled with state-mandated courses, and the hiring practices of schools recruiting new teachers, many teachers colleges are finding it difficult to integrate technology education into their teacher preparation programs.
The result is a “to each its own” approach to teacher education, as the teaching colleges strive to work technology in without taking content and pedagogy out. Presently schools of education develop their own technology-based curricula that build on best practices in the field, in compliance with the recognized standards in the profession.
I did the research regarding TPACK in WVU and am applying and experimenting the Technology curriculum based on my research and the vision from our program. I hope all of you can implement what you have learn from TPACK as you become the teacher from my ongoing experiments in our class!
I agree--I believe that many aspects affect one's ability to fulfill the TPACK standards, especially technologically in districts which receive little funding. And I also agree that it would be very difficult to attain all 3 areas of the framework without the availability of technology, and hopefully, those districts will be able to compensate with whatever means necessary to engage students through technology as well as the other two areas.
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