Applying Technology Theories and Models to Instruction

Video Transcription

Hello, and thank you for joining me for Applying Technology Theories and Models to Instruction. Today's essential question is, how can I apply TPACK to a unit of study? Let's review TPACK. Remember that with TPACK, knowledge lies at the intersection of three different areas-- one area being technological knowledge, one area being content knowledge, and one area being pedagogical knowledge.

Additionally, where each of those knowledges intersect with one another is a different type of knowledge. So when pedagogical knowledge intersects with technological knowledge, for example, you end up with technological pedagogical knowledge. The region that you find yourself in should really be based on the objective of what you want your students to be able to do. To find this area, look at your instructional objectives and figure out which region is best for you.

Let's look at pedagogical knowledge. Essentially, pedagogical knowledge is just knowledge about how students construct knowledge and acquire skills. It's also knowledge of cognitive, social, and developmental theories that influence learning and how these affect the students in your classroom. An example of applying this to a unit would be using digital badges or tweets as a form of praise or reward for student performance.

Technological knowledge is knowledge about standard technologies. An example of a standard technology is a book, how to use a whiteboard. In addition to that, it's also knowledge about more advanced technologies, such as how to use the internet or create a digital video. It's also about the knowledge that the teacher has about successful use of technology. So what are the skills I need to successfully use a specific technology?

It's also knowledge of an operating system and computer hardware, so not just knowing how to use Word but knowing why Word works the way it does and more. It's also knowledge about how to use tech tools, such as word processors, spreadsheets, browsers, databases, email. And it's knowledge about how to uninstall or install devices or software programs.

So essentially, with technological knowledge, you don't only know how to use the technology. You know how to install it. You know why it works the way it works. It kind of almost gets rid of the use for a tech person in your school, because you as the teacher can solve all the tech issues. An example of this would be a teacher teaching students how to use a certain technology, like how to use Google Docs to type a paper and collaborate with classmates virtually.

Then, we have content knowledge. And this is just the teacher's knowledge of what they teach. So I'm an English teacher. My content knowledge is going to have to do with language arts based material. An example of this is just that you teach students accurate and up-to-date information in your subject area.

We're going to now look at what happens when some of these combine. So when pedagogical knowledge and content knowledge combine, you get PCK, or pedagogical content knowledge. And this is essentially just knowledge of how students construct and gain their skills. It's knowledge of those cognitive, social, and developmental theories that influence learning. And it's knowledge of your subject area and how to best teach it, because the pedagogy is how you teach. And the content is your subject area. An example of this is using collaborative groups, either online or in person, with discussion opportunities associated with the assignment.

Then, we have technological content knowledge. And this is where technological knowledge and content knowledge intersect. So again, it is looking at how to modify and manipulate the content in your subject area with technology. So if your subject area is math, you might use a virtual math manipulative to help reinforce the content area. A more specific example is like students playing with different shape forms to visualize math.

Then, we have TPK. This is where technological knowledge and pedagogical knowledge intersect. So again, you need to know how various technologies are used in the classroom. And then, you want to look at how you can change your teaching, because of the technology. So this isn't technology changing content. It's technology changing teach.

It's also important with TPK to look at alignment and make sure that the tools that you're using, the technological tools you're using, are aligned with the pedagogy. And it's just a nice intersection of pedagogical strategies and technology. An example of this is using digital tools for class records, like power schools, or using tech based strategies to teach your students. The technology here doesn't affect the content or what you're teaching. It's affecting the way you're teaching it.

And then, we have TPACK. And this is where you have content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and technological knowledge combined into one. It's the center of the TPACK graphic. Some examples of these all converging are using flipped lessons. So this is a way that technological knowledge and pedagogical knowledge can combine. Having in class co-operative groupings and then students are creating podcasts as well. So as you can see, it's a relationship between content pedagogy and technology all beautifully intertwined to make a 21st century unit for your students.

Let's reflect. Do you already use any aspect of TPACK in your classroom? If so, which one or ones do you use?

Today, we answered how can I apply TPACK to a unit of study? For more information on how to apply what you learned in this video, please view the additional resources section that accompanies this video presentation. The additional resources section includes hyperlinks useful for applications of the course material, including a brief description of each resource. Thank you for joining me and happy teaching.