TPACK

Hi guys!! 

The task of this week was about TPACK, in which we have answered some questions given by the teacher. Then, we have represented this information in the following concept map:

Among the six models we have found out, we have chosen this model as it’s the most graphic one. It typically represents ideas and information as boxes or circles, using images and a great variety of colours as well. Due to that, main concepts could be easily distinguished and attention could also be maintained, while in the spidergram model, for example, couldn't because of its use of long sentences and fewer colours and also its lack of images.

1. What exactly is TPACK? (p.e. it is a technology, theory, a model, an animal, poetry, an author? All of these? About what?)

TPACK is a model of knowledge that is considered essential for the effectiveness of today's teachers. TPACK provides an interaction between three forms of knowledge: Technological (TK), Pedagogical (PK) and Content Knowledge (CK).

As a result of these three key concepts, there are four additional areas that teachers can apply to the technological teaching: Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK), Technological Content Knowledge (TCK), Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK).

TPACK term was created by Koehler and Mishra (2007), and its framework is built on Shulman’s (1987, 1986) descriptions of Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) to describe how teachers’ understanding of educational technologies and PCK interact with one another to produce effective teaching with technology.

2. What are the essential elements of TPACK and how are they related each other?

The three key elements of TPACK are:

• Content Knowledge (CK) is the knowledge about the subject matter which is going to be learned or taught. According to Shulman (1986), this knowledge includes concepts, theories, ideas, organizational frameworks, knowledge of evidence and proof and established practices and approaches toward developing such knowledge.

• Pedagogical Knowledge (PK) is the knowledge that teachers use in the practice of their classes and that helps them to acquire skills and to develop habits of mind and positive willingness toward learning.

• Technological Knowledge (TK) is the knowledge and the mastery of information technology for information processing, communication, and problem solving that can be used in the classroom by the teacher even if it is not required.

The interactions between them are:

Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) consists on the transformation of the subject matter in order to be taught, through its adaption into the students' prior knowledge. It requires the interpretation of the content by the teacher.

Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK) is an understanding of how the using of particular technologies in classroom affects teaching and learning process and the teaching strategies.

Technological Content Knowledge (TCK) is the understanding of how some particular technologies can change or influence on the application of the subject matter.

Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPACK) is the relationship between the three individual "core" components, but it differs from them because it requires the understanding of how the Technological and Pedagogical learning is based on the understanding of the subjects matters.

3. How would TPACK be useful for you?

We consider that the concepts that TPACK encompasses are essential for teaching nowadays.

Especially, the technology in a classroom as a tool could make higher the motivation of the students and also easier the educational process, so for this reason we must learn how to teach children throughout it

If we want to improve the quality of education, to help students to achieve high grades and to make them willing to learn, we should take TPACK seriously.

4. How is TPACK related to your degree?

TPACK is necessary for our future job as teachers due to the importance given to technology in schools nowadays, since teachers always try to put in practice their teaching strategies and to teach the content in the most possible technological way. It makes the lesson more enjoyable and easier to understand, as it attracts the attention of the pupils.

As we consider that teaching also includes the application of the technologies (TK) and methodologies (PK) learnt by teachers, we think that TPACK is essential to become effective teachers.

5. There is an important part of the Teacher’s action that is not already included in TPACK model? Is TPACK enough to understand the work of a teacher?

One of the important actions for us that isn't included in TPACK is the interaction between teachers and students, as this model doesn't seem to provide any information about having a personal relationship with them.

Also, teachers should be aware of the Racism, Bullying, Discrimination... situations that may appear in the classroom, and to teach moral values to their students so they learn to respect others.

To conclude, TPACK is a theoretical model, so teachers have to learn how to apply it, as studying it is not enough.

That's all for this week, see you soon!