Authors, Koehler and Mishra, state that TPAK is "a complex interaction among three bodies of knowledge:
content, pedagogy, and technology." Their intent is to "describe how these bodies of
knowledge interact, in abstract, and in practice, to produce the type of flexible
knowledge needed to successfully integrate technology in the classroom." (p. 1)
As educators it is important to realize how these bodies of knowledge interact and what effect the interaction has on the students as well as the teacher. Education and technology are both ever changing arenas and it is important to stay flexible in a "dynamic environment", especially in this day in age when computer technology is ever present in almost all areas of life; learning, researching, building (i.e. architecture, websites, graphic design etc.), calculations, communications and entertainment. It is important for both the instructor and the student to know how to effectively use this technology not only in the classroom, but outside the classroom as well. TPCK is a a way to effectively integrate technology into the curriculum.
The authors presented this chart in their article and below I have given a brief description of it's contents:
Content Knowledge: Subject matter and what is to be taught in the curriculum.
Pedagogical Knowledge: The process, practices and methods of the teacher.
Technological Knowledge: The knowledge and understanding of technology.
Pedagogical Content Knowledge: The Pedagogy if a certain topic or subject matter
Technological Content Knowledge: How to technology can be used to build on existing knowledge.
Technological Pedagogical Knowledge: The methods used to teach technology.
Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: The integration and interaction between all of the above.
The authors state that the goal of TPCK is "to provide insight into how the complexities and tensions of teaching can be brought together to mutually develop teachers and students knowledge." (p. 24)
I agree and will add that just what I saw on my first day of fieldwork reinforces the importance with which we need to embrace technology and the integration of technology with content and pedagogy.
ReplyDeleteI think you defined the main points of the article in a clear and precise way. I enjoyed that you added how BOTH education and technology are changing. I think many people think it is just technology that can evolve, but education must evolve with it.
ReplyDeleteI agree that teaching is ever changing and technology gives students the liberty to understand subjects in a whole different way. I agree with you all the way and love that you out a graph for your discussion!!
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