TPACK - What is it?

The Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge is a framework that helps teachers in Australian School teachers to consider how their knowledge domains intersect in order to effectively teach and engage students with technology.  I believe this TPACK model will be useful in my preparation for my courses at the CQUniversity School of Nursing &Midwifery.  This is my first exposure to this framework.

Let me explain this model:

Content Knowledge (CK) is about what the teachers know about the subject area you teach. So this section is about the facts, concepts and theories about your course.

Pedagogical Knowledge (PK) is about how a lecturer teaches using various strategies.  This includes methods of teaching i.e. assessments, instructional strategies and teaching methods.  Like think, pair and then share.  Other examples might be direct instruction, inquiry base learning, debate, group discussion, modeling, graphic organiser.

The Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) is the areas the knowledge you have a how to effectively engage students in learning concepts and skills.  This is the intersection between content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge.  This knowledge includes approaches for addressing different learning styles and scaffolding content for deeper understanding.  This section is sometimes referred to as teaching at its best.

Technological Knowledge (TK) is often known as the partner and is about how technology is used to deliver and assist your teaching sessions.    The quality  and selection of content that is integrated into your course by using apps, website, games, laptop (project, smart board), ipad, camera, blackboard collaborate.

Technology Content Knowledge (TCK) is about pairing the technology to your content of your course.

Technological Content Knowledge (TCK) refers to how technology is used in a subject area for deep and lasting learning.

Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK) is about as a lecturer you choose and manage technology for your students.  What technology will ease your students workload throughout your course; the use of collaboration tools like Blogs for students to share their learning together.

The intersection between Content, Pedagogy and Technology is the core of TPACK.  This intersection is about your understanding of how tools can enhance your teaching and support student learning into deeper  and more effective knowledge.

As a lecturer, I need to start with content, then pedagogy and then layer into my course how will technology be used to enhance my students learning.

TPACK is an effective model for teaching and it does take a bit to get your head around.  However, I am confident that I can you this framework to improve my university courses that I am preparing for Term 2, 2015.

See below for some of my strengths and weakness within the TPACK model.

                                                 Strengths                                                    Weaknesses

Content Knowledge:  
                                   
                                      Industry experience approx 20 years                   Only working within
                                      Still currently working Industry                          Renal Nursing & no
                                      Attained high level of clinical skills                    longer working in
                                      Influenced by accreditation                                Conorary Care Unit.
                                      My nursing practice remains up-to-date
                                      in relation to teaching clinical skills.

Pedagogy Knowledge:

                                     Professional education has altered my                   There is so many
                                     personal pedagogy i.e E-learning course.              strategies to learn
                                     Learner centred.                                                     about effective
                                     Constructivist approach.                                        ways to teach.
                                     Use flipped classroom methods
                                     Blended learning
                                     I incorporate technological knowledge
                                     into my pedagogy and sharing of content.
                                   
Technology Knowledge:

                                     Open to change in technology &                        Get frustrated when
                                     updating technology.                                           trying new                                                                    Incorporating more technological                       technological apps
                                     tools within my courses to enhance                   & they don't work -
                                     my students learning.                                         particularly if you are
                                                                                                               working to a deadline of a                                                                                                                         due date.

References:

Mishra, P. & Koehler, M. (2007). Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPCK): Confronting the wicked problems of teaching with technology. Retrieved from www.aace.org/conf/site/mishra_invited.doc