Self-Evaluation of Framework: Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK)
When looking at the different frameworks surrounding technology in the classroom, it can be overwhelming to decide which framework suits your teaching style and classroom. The framework that I relate to most is called Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge, or TPACK. It encompasses three pillars, or circles that are Technological Knowledge, Pedagogical Knowledge, and Content Knowledge. As shown in the picture, each circle overlaps with one another creating a continuum of sorts. I like this framework because it outlines how good teaching and technology are related to each other. I also like this framework and relate to it so closely because TPACK is designed around meeting students needs based on technology, content, and pedagogy. (HELLO Special Education teachers! This SCREAMS Inclusion and Differentiation!) It's pillars closely align with my philosophy of teaching and my desire for inclusion.
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| Photo Credit: tpack.org |
- Technological Knowledge, or TK is knowledge about working with technological tools and recognizing how technology can interfere with or assist with a successful lesson.
What is Pedagogical Knowledge?
- Pedagogical Knowledge, or PK is teachers' knowledge about the processes, practices, and methods of teaching. This includes the purpose of education, classroom management, lesson planning, assessment, values and understanding how students learn.
What is Content Knowledge?
- Content Knowledge, or CK is the teacher's actual knowledge about a certain subject content. For example, a teacher needs to have phonemic awareness to teach phonics.
How do all three relate to each other?
There is a definite overlap in the three knowledge areas in TPACK. Below is a review of how each area may overlap with each other. In theory the "perfect" classroom has all three overlapping at the same time for each content area or lesson. This is helpful to be aware when identifying which area you are seeing in your classroom and which area needs improvement.
- Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK): Pedagogical and Content Knowledge overlap when a teacher uses their knowledge of process, practice, or methods to better help students understand the content that is being taught.
- Technological Content Knowledge (TCK): Technological and Content Knowledge overlap when a teacher uses their technological knowledge to help students better understand the content of a certain subject. For example, using Google Expedition to show students the planets if they are learning about that in science. This is also where a teacher knows and understands which technological tools will help students better understand the content, and which technological tools will interfere the learning process.
- Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK): Technological and Pedagogical Knowledge overlap when teachers understand how learning can be altered when a technological tool is used in a lesson. This includes understanding which technological tools are developmentally appropriate and how they can help with the learning process in future lessons.
- Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK): I call this overlap, GREAT TEACHING! This is when your educational values, knowledge of content, and ability to incorporate technology are ALL working together. Through differentiation and the TPACK overlap, inclusion is possible. Not only inclusion, but also a greater sense of learning and understanding of content. I will mention that this overlap sounds a lot easier than it is.
The TPACK Overlap Can't Be THAT Hard!
Oh my friends, but it is! I am currently focused on learning the Technological Knowledge (TK) and the Technological Content Knowledge (TCK). This is directly related to the fact that I am still learning about how to incorporate technology into my classroom AND use those technological tools to help increase the learning process. I have a strong teaching philosophy and Pedagogical Knowledge and a strong Content Knowledge. This is due to my experience in not only working with people with disabilities, but it is also due to my experience in several different classrooms. I look forward to having my own Special Education classroom one day because I think that the TPACK framework would be very helpful in that setting.
(All of this information has been adapted from tpack.org. For more information on TPACK and examples in the classroom please visit http://tpack.org/ )
Comment below! I would LOVE to hear how your experiences in the classroom have been impacted by this framework. What piece of the circle do you have the most trouble with? What piece of the circle do you have the easiest time with? What technological tools have helped your classroom the most? Have any of your educational values been tested by technology (I can see this happening which is why I ask)?
Hi Mary Kate- I loved your post on TPACK! I too think that this framework is great for those of use in special education. As I was researching each one TPACK was the one that really caught my eye. I think it is a great framework to take into the classroom and really help with inclusion and differentiation for students in special ed. For me I would say the TPK is the piece of the circle that I find might be a struggle. I think about our classroom now and how difficult it is to find the right technology tools that not only allow our students to learn, but are tools that we can continue to incorporate into our everyday learning. Currently in our classroom our SMART board had been our biggest friend this year. The kids love to get up and interact with the board. It is also a great way to get them up and moving! We also use board maker on our smart board almost daily for morning meeting and our ELA and math centers. We find that it's easier for students to see what's up on the smart board instead of a piece of paper on their desk, touch instead of write, and hear what is being touch (similar to when they use their touch chat to speak to us).
ReplyDeleteThank you for your reply! I love the idea of using board maker on the smart board. That would save a lot of laminating and cutting! It is amazing that something like that can make such a difference in the day.
DeleteFantastic explanation of TPACK! It's a great explanation for those that may not be familiar with the model. While you can't always achieve perfection (also known as TPACK's "sweet spot" where the 3 circles intertwine) it is great to always be thinking about where the weakness lies in a lesson. Knowing that, the process becomes easier to navigate.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your reply! While reading about TPACK I thought, the sweet spot sounds easy enough. After reflection time I realize that is much easier said than done, but something I would LOVE to strive for!
DeleteMary Kate,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I want to say that your post on TPACK is amazing! The way you organized the subheading and color coded each pillar of the TPACK model made the post very easy to read and understand TPACK. I am definitely going to borrow the color coding presentation technique for future posts. Regarding TPACK you made me realize how important it can be to inclusion classrooms. My first year teaching I was assigned the third grade inclusion class that I co-taught with a veteran Diverse Learner teacher. It was my most challenging year thus far. I was a new teacher, and we all know that the first year is extremely difficult, but on top of that I was an inclusion teacher that was not knowledgeable in differentiating instruction. Therefore, when I read your statement “This screams inclusion and differentiation!” It hit me like a ton of bricks that TPACK would have helped me with my diverse learners regarding differentiation. Thanks for helping me look at it through your perspective. This is why collaborating across disciplines and grade levels is important-it expands your perspectives. As of right now, concluding my fourth year teaching, I would place myself within the technological and content knowledge overlap because I know in-depth what I am teaching and feel very comfortable using technology to deliver the content, but I lack an in-depth knowledge of how to teach the content with technology to maximize student learning. I think many teachers need a list of Ed Tech tools and a YouTube or Prezi tutorial on how to best integrate each one to their lessons. Another thing that stood out when I was reading your post was your statement regarding TCK, “This is also where a teacher knows and understands which technological tools will help students better understand the content, and which technological tools will interfere the learning process.” I have always focused on which Ed Tech tools help enhance learning, but your statement made me realize that there are Ed tech tools that could potentially interfere with the learning process when used incorrectly. I assume you say this from experience. What Ed Tech tool has interfered with your students’ learning? Also is there an Ed Tech tool that you highly recommend for diverse learners for Math? What about for reading? Very insightful post! You made me look at the TPACK in a different perspective, thanks!
Thanks for your clear explanation of TPACK. Your explanation is much clearer to me than the intro video, which seemed very overwhelming to me., I can definitely see how getting to the part where they all overlap is a challenge! I agree that TPACK would be a great tool for aiding in differentiation for SPED students, ELLs and those who may learn differently..
ReplyDeleteI think assessing the roll of technology in the classroom would be something I would struggle with more if I taught older students and a tool like this or SAMR would be helpful in making sure I stayed focus on using technology to aid or enhance my lessons. Good teachers are always self assessing, and these frameworks are great tools to help us along in that process.