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Solving Wicked Problems with TPACK
Solving Wicked Problems with TPACK
May 24, 2020
May 24, 2020
For tens of thousands of years, humans have been using tools to solve problems. Teachers today, like ancient humans, are using tools for similar purposes, however, the methods differ. Michigan State University scholars, Dr. Koehler and Dr. Mishra recognized the importance of teaching with technology tools. This however, can be a “wicked problem” for educators, and standard approaches to overcome obstacles don’t work (Koehler, 2013). So, what is the best way for teachers to integrate technology? The answer is TPACK.
For tens of thousands of years, humans have been using tools to solve problems. Teachers today, like ancient humans, are using tools for similar purposes, however, the methods differ. Michigan State University scholars, Dr. Koehler and Dr. Mishra recognized the importance of teaching with technology tools. This however, can be a “wicked problem” for educators, and standard approaches to overcome obstacles don’t work (Koehler, 2013). So, what is the best way for teachers to integrate technology? The answer is TPACK.
TPACK (developed by Koehler and Mishra) is the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge framework that focuses on three knowledge domains: content (what we teach), pedagogy (how we teach), and technology (tools we use). When all three are combined, teachers can design effective and engaging lessons with technology. TPACK, the “total PACKage,” is the solution to this wicked problem (Koehler, 2013).
TPACK (developed by Koehler and Mishra) is the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge framework that focuses on three knowledge domains: content (what we teach), pedagogy (how we teach), and technology (tools we use). When all three are combined, teachers can design effective and engaging lessons with technology. TPACK, the “total PACKage,” is the solution to this wicked problem (Koehler, 2013).
I recently experienced my own wicked problem when I participated in a TPACK quickfire challenge. My son chose 3 kitchen tools (plate, plastic bowl, and pasta ladle) for me to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I struggled when completing this challenge, because I did not have the proper tool (a knife) for the job. I had to be creative and repurpose the ladle to make it work.
I recently experienced my own wicked problem when I participated in a TPACK quickfire challenge. My son chose 3 kitchen tools (plate, plastic bowl, and pasta ladle) for me to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I struggled when completing this challenge, because I did not have the proper tool (a knife) for the job. I had to be creative and repurpose the ladle to make it work.
The quickfire experience solidified my beliefs about the educational process. We, as teachers, must apply technology tools creatively by recognizing when technology can assist or impede the success of learning goals and to continually adapt to changes in technology (Sharma, 2018). We also must identify the learning goal first, and then determine the best tools to help students achieve it. Teachers are wicked problems solvers, and using TPACK increases the effectiveness of everyday teaching.
The quickfire experience solidified my beliefs about the educational process. We, as teachers, must apply technology tools creatively by recognizing when technology can assist or impede the success of learning goals and to continually adapt to changes in technology (Sharma, 2018). We also must identify the learning goal first, and then determine the best tools to help students achieve it. Teachers are wicked problems solvers, and using TPACK increases the effectiveness of everyday teaching.
Take a look below at my TPACK quickfire experience.
Take a look below at my TPACK quickfire experience.
Reproduced by permission of the publisher, © 2012 by tpack.org
References
References
Koehler, M. (2013, September 12). Thinking creatively: Teachers as designers of technology, pedagogy and content [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iCPLTz7Z-Q&t=142
Koehler, M. (2013, September 12). Thinking creatively: Teachers as designers of technology, pedagogy and content [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iCPLTz7Z-Q&t=142
Naglik, M. (2020, May 19). Cooking with TPACK CEP 810. [Video] YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYHIi-tGcS8
Naglik, M. (2020, May 19). Cooking with TPACK CEP 810. [Video] YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYHIi-tGcS8
Sharma, J. (2018, November 30). TPACK: Finding the solution to the “wicked” problem of teaching with technology. Stockton Unified Curriculum. https://stocktonunifiedcurriculum.wordpress.com/author/jsharmastocktonusdn
Sharma, J. (2018, November 30). TPACK: Finding the solution to the “wicked” problem of teaching with technology. Stockton Unified Curriculum. https://stocktonunifiedcurriculum.wordpress.com/author/jsharmastocktonusdn
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