TPCK Reading Assignment

1. The TPCK model refers to three types of knowledge (K) and their different combinations. First there is Technology Knowledge which is the knowledge of how technology works and how to use it, thus a computer technician may be an expert in this field. Next there is Pedagogy Knowledge which includes the knowledge and skills required to teach, so an excellent teacher would be an expert in this area. Finally there is Content Knowledge which refers to whatever subject material that is being taught, thus an expert in this field would be a historian, musician, mathematician, etc. However the idea behind this model is that these types of knowledge should ideally be combined. So, the PCK combo would be the skill to teach the given content effectively, the TPK combo would be the ability to teach with technology enhancing your lessons, the TCK would be the combination of technology and content expertise, and finally the TPCK model would be the skill to appropriately and effectively combine all three.

2. The essential tension is the fact that all three in different ways will be interacting and by nature adjustments in one area will need to come because of the other. Thus if your content changes the type of technology and style of teaching may need to be adjusted, and vice versa. Essentially it is that all affect the others.

3. An understanding of all three types of knowledge and then also of how they intertwine.

4. It is clear that teachers must first gain an understanding of how technology works and how to use it. I think though that most important is that they understand the potential application to their students and they must be comfortable enough using it to know when it would be appropriate and useful.

5. Emphasis on competencies and checklists are problematic because 1. technology is always changing, so specific knowledge about a program quickly becomes outdated, 2. most programs are not designed specifically for education so once again the knowledge simply of the program is insufficient, 3. the specific needs of a classroom and the way a teacher teaches is all subjective so one list will not serve all, and 4. teaching teachers what they need to know, does not teach them how to use it appropriately in their classroom.

6. Technology-by-design, seems to me to be a very practical use of technology in the classroom. The technology is there to help you in creating your framework for your classes, and then the technology is integrated at times when it will be specifically used and not introduced in long tutorials at the beginning of class. Instead of forced use of technology it is used in specific ways to enhance the class objectives.

7. I do agree with his idea of teacher education. I think that one of the biggest responsibilities or skills of a teacher is to be able to adapt. There is not one right way to teach, or one type of knowledge one must acquire, rather teachers must gain a good foundation of knowledge and resources to use but the important thing is for them to gain the ability to reason and choose what will be most effective in that specific setting.