Week 5 - Models & Frameworks of Digital Technology
The TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) model is beneficial at this stage in my teaching career. Marcovitz and Janiszewski (2015) discussed this model, which integrates three core components: technological knowledge (TK), pedagogical knowledge (PK), and content knowledge (CK). The strength of TPACK lies in its emphasis on the intersection of these areas, providing a framework for effectively incorporating technology into teaching.
Why TPACK is Useful
Holistic Integration
TPACK emphasises the need to blend technology with pedagogy and content, which is essential for creating meaningful and effective learning experiences. At my current stage, I have a great understanding of my subject matter and teaching strategies but may need guidance on integrating technology effectively. TPACK provides a structured approach to this integration, helping me align digital tools with my teaching objectives.
Contextual Relevance
This model allows flexibility and adaptability in applying technology to various content areas and teaching methods. Given my students' diverse needs and the rapidly evolving technological landscape, TPACK offers a framework for selecting and using technology to support diverse learning goals.
Application of TPACK
Lesson Planning
I can use the TPACK model to design lessons seamlessly by incorporating technology into a PDHPE unit. For instance, if teaching a unit on nutrition and healthy lifestyles, I could use interactive apps (TK) to help students track their food intake and physical activity (CK) while employing cooperative learning strategies (PK) to encourage group discussions and reflections on their choices.
Professional Development
TPACK can guide my ongoing professional development by enhancing my technological skills concerning pedagogical strategies and content knowledge. Engaging in workshops or courses that address these intersections can help me stay current with best practices in technology integration.
In summary, the TPACK model's comprehensive approach to integrating technology with pedagogy and content is highly beneficial for my current teaching practice. It offers a practical framework for creating effective and engaging learning experiences.
Marcovitz, D., & Janiszewski, N. (2015, March). Technology, models, and 21st-century learning: How models, standards, and theories make learning powerful. In Society for Information Technology & Teacher Education International Conference (pp. 1227-1232). Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE).
Henderson, M., & Romeo, G. (Eds.). (2015). Teaching and Digital Technologies: Big Issues and Critical Questions. Melbourne: Cambridge University Press.