Dearborn TPACK

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What is TPACK?

Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) is the framework for good teaching, bringing together content or the what, pedagogy or the how, and the use of technology. TPACK deepens the understanding of a content and allows teachers to add a technological component to ensure our students are receiving those 21st Century skills.

Thanks to Common Sense Education, you can watch a 5 minute description of TPACK here. Where are you on your TPACK journey?

Image Source: EdSurge (2015) https://www.edsurge.com/news/2015-02-06-a-guide-for-bringing-the-samr-model-to-ipads

I feel, as an educator, it is important to know where you are on the TPACK journey. Another great resource, or good reflection piece, is the SAMR model. This model allows you to evaluate where you are in the process of adding technology to your classroom. It's a step ladder model starting at the bottom with substitution (teachers who use technology as a direct tool), augmentation (teachers who use technology tool as a direct tool substitution with some functional improvement), modification (teachers begin to redesign tasks through technology), and lastly, redefinition (teacher uses technology to allow for creation of new tasks). The bottom part of the ladder uses technology to enhance, whereas, if you fall in the top part of the ladder you are using technology to transform learning. Consider where you are in this model and ask yourself if you can make some change to move up the ladder. When I evaluated myself using SAMR I was surprised to find out that I was only at the augmentation level. That's when I started my action research and made a change for my students.

To watch a short informational video, made by Common Sense Education, click on the SAMR image above.

Common Core

21st Century Skills