To love TPACK, is to know TPACK!!

To love TPACK, is to know TPACK!

The technical definition of TPACK is Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge, which simply put, is a framework that identifies the knowledge teachers need to teach effectively with technology. 

•      The content aspect is defining the concept of teacher knowledge, defining the content within the subject, finding the relate-ability, and identifying the ideas and theories tied to what is taught.  
•      The pedagogical aspect is being in the know: knowing how your students will understand the concept, knowing what they will need as students as well as what you will need as the instructor, and knowing what pedagogical (method) strategy will fit best.  
•      The technology aspect is self-defining to me, but I'll slightly elaborate: it is deciding what technology will be used to introduce/execute the lesson. 

The use of TPACK should occur daily in the lesson plans of an educator, especially since the focus of education has shifted in an attempt to keep up with the technological advances of society. In my opinion education is lagging in its incorporation of technology into day to day lessons. I believe that this is mostly because of a lack of ingenuity on the part of the educator. Most people want to blame the lack of school funding for technology for prehistoric lesson delivery, but I believe that it is a matter of utilizing the tools that you have in new and innovative ways. It is a must to hold the attention of today’s students. Trying the TPACK method will ensure that students are retaining at least some of the information that is being presented.  

What I hope to get out of this course.

I am excited to take Intro to Tech in the classroom with Professor Dr. Craig A. Cunnigham here at National Louis University. I know that this course will give me an edge when it comes to creating innovative lesson plans that will engage my students, and assist them in competing in a technologically advanced global society. This generation of students are born into technology. They can usually effortlessly navigate through various apps and games before they can formulate a complete system. I feel that we need to hone in on those skills as early as possible to further develop their abilities. 
It is important for today's educators to offer lessons that relate to the leaders of tomorrow. Studies suggest that students are most likely to retain knowledge that relates to their interest. Gaining a technological education is a step in the right direction on my part. During this course I am eager to learn to use various websites like twitter, glogster, and piktochart to further enhance my technical abilities, which will ultimately lead to the technological enhancement of the students that I educate. I am also eager to gain knowledge that will enhance my technical abilities as well.
I consider myself to have moderate technical skills. I have always wanted to enhance my skills so that I too can compete in a technological society. I believe that it is important to continuously educate myself so that I will have an edge competitively if I ever decide to move in another direction professionally. I am extremely confident that this course will allow me to do so.  

Trial by Blogger

Before winter break I had a plethora of activities planned, but my wallet had other plans. I wanted to take in the city, get some rest, and visit family. Due to being a twelve month employee in an educational setting, I was not afforded that opportunity. I worked the entire break so that I could afford to eat, and have a place to live.