Essential Questions:
What is the difference between technology in education and educational technology?
What is TPACK and how does it help us better understand the role and impact of technology?
I’ve spent a good portion of my week thinking and researching trying to figure out the subtle difference between technology in education and educational technology. I’m still not sure if I have the write distinction, but I’ve formed my own understanding – and if it’s wrong, I hope we talk about it in class.
While looking at the TPACK Venn diagram I would explain educational technology as the crossover circle between technology and pedagogy. It is the tools that are used to help teachers teach more effectively, but they don’t necessarily vary based on content. Tech tools such as SmartBoards, doc cams, iPads, apps (in certain situations), personal computers, etc.
In reference to the TPACK Venn diagram, I would explain technology in education to be the sweet spot between pedagogy, content and technology. According to Dell, technology in education is used in three ways. When I reviewed this website it helped me to synthesize the three major uses of technology in the classroom.
1. Education data management
2. Assistive technology
3. Mobile learning
Teachers use technology to manage the data – such as online grade books, apps that report immediate test scores, emails to parents, classroom websites, etc. Diverse learners – which I would argue that we are all diverse learners, can be reached through media using assistive technology. ESL students can access speech to text software, autistic children can work with apps to practice social skills, and teachers can differentiate lessons to reach the many needs of students. Last of all, mobile learning helps break away from the standard classroom setting and it enables students to get up out of their seats and discover the world. In my opinion, this is where real learning happens! From our example in class last week, we saw evidence that students are more engaged in learning when they are immerse in real life issues.
These real life issues that give students the opportunity to redefine their education experience is exactly what TPACK is reaching for. My mind keeps reflecting on the horny-toed lizards project because it was a perfect example of using technology in education to bring the perfect balance of content, pedagogy and technology. Teaching Teachers for the Future gives us insight into the expert teacher in the 21st century, “Expert teachers now are those who can bring together knowledge of subject matter, what is good for learning, and technology (ICT). The combination is described as Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK). “ As we know from a basic study of business, backed by our study of Disrupting Class, if a business wants to survive in the rapidly changing world, then they cannot stand still. During the 20th century, expert teachers were those who knew their content and knew how to teach it, but with the introduction of technology and it’s impact on the world it is required that teachers evolve.
Technology is a leading force in our economy and community, thus it is imperative that we prepare our students to thrive in a technological world. This means they need to be exposed to the tools of technology early on and they need to be taught how to use them. The practical application of using technology in real world settings to learn the content in a pedagogically sound way is the vision of TPACK. TPACK helps me see and understand the practical aspect of implementing the things we’ve learned and I’m excited to create a TPACK lesson within my scope and sequence.
Side note: I find it interesting that the TPACK website I referenced is based out of Australia. It would be interesting to study the impact of ed-tech on a global level.
Sources:
http://www.dell.com/learn/us/en/25/k-12-solutions?dmp=1M2U3U4PE5UO&ST=technology%20in%20education&dgc=ST&cid=271535&lid=5036848&acd=12309164820490250
http://www.ttf.edu.au/what-is-tpack/what-is-tpack.html
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