EED 509 Module 1 Assignment

Module 1 - Part 3 "What is TPACK?"

TPACK Model - Image used from TPACK.org https://matt-koehler.com/tpack2/

TPACK stands for Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge. It is an extension of Lee Shulman’s model of knowledge domains and is meant to illustrate the knowledge teachers should possess to adequately integrate technology into their teaching. This model reminds educators that they must possess understanding of the content they are teaching, the best way to teach the content, and the appropriate technology to use. Let’s look at the components of TPACK: 

The elements of the TPACK model are outlined and defined in book Teaching Models: Designing Instruction for 21st Century Learners. Awareness and comprehension of these parts will help the teacher plan more effective lessons and make intentional decisions about their instruction. Milman, Natalie B., Kilbane, Clare R. Teaching Models: Designing Instruction for 21st Century Learners.. [Yuzu].The first components of TPACK are content knowledge - understanding what needs to be taught, pedagogical knowledge - how to teach, and technical knowledge - what tools can be used to teach. Also included are technical content knowledge - understanding content specific technology, pedagogical content knowledge - understanding the best way to teach specific content, technical pedagogical knowledge - understanding the most effective way to use available technology, and technological pedagogical content knowledge -requiring the educator to think about the best method for teaching specific content and the most beneficial and appropriate technology to use .  When all these components are together they make up the TPACK model. 

As educational designers, it is essential that we understand not just WHAT we are teaching, HOW to best teach it, and WHICH tools would make our teaching most successful. 21st Century Educators have to have a mindset of growth and be willing to adapt and learn as new technology and instructional methods become available. “Technology, learner needs, and curriculum are constantly changing; therefore, teachers will need to expand their TPACK throughout their careers to respond to these changes.” (page 51) Milman, Natalie B., Kilbane, Clare R. Teaching Models: Designing Instruction for 21st Century Learners.. [Yuzu]. Using the TPACK model benefits teachers because it can help us determine where we are lacking as educators. If one of the TPACK components is weak, then the teacher has a clear direction for professional development. It also provides an avenue for collaboration and communication between other educators. In my next post I will examine a 21st Century tool and how it can fit into the TPACK model.