TPACK Intro & Schoology

Reproduced by permission of the publisher, © 2012 by tpack.org

TPACK is a method to help teachers integrate technology in the classroom and to use technology to enhance learning (Rogers, 2018). It combines three types of knowledge needed for effective teaching: (a) content (CK) – the knowledge of the subject matter, (b) pedagogical (PK) – the knowledge of the processes and methods used to teach the content, and (c) technological (TK) – the knowledge about technology and the best tools to deliver instruction (Harris, 2012; Robertson, 2013; Koehler, 2012; Rodgers, 2018).

These knowledge areas should not be viewed in isolation (Koehler, 2012; Lehotsky, 2016). The framework also focuses on the overlaps between the areas of knowledge: (a) Pedagogical Content (PCK) – pairs content to the appropriate pedagogical method for teaching it, (b) Technical Content (TCK) – relates how content and technology influence each other and make the content more accessible, and (c) Technological Pedagogical (TPK) - pairs the appropriate technology to the teaching method chosen (Robertson, 2013; Koehler, 2012; Harris, 2012).

Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) is the intersection where these areas work together to support good teaching (Koehler, 2012; Kimmons, 2011). Lehotsky (2016), asserts this is the spot where “everything comes together most effectively to enhance student learning.”

The TPACK model leads to thinking about each type of knowledge when planning (Schoology, 2018).  When planning, teachers should begin with content and curriculum goals. Then the appropriate learning activities should be chosen. Finally, the technologies to enhance learning should be selected (Harris, 2012). Lehotsky (2016) points out that pedagogy and content are more important than technology, which should enhance learning by adding creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication. The context where TPACK is implemented is crucial and must be considered because every classroom is unique (Robertson, 2013; Lehotsky, 2016).

Schoology, a learning management system, has many features to promote the integration of technology into the classroom. Teachers can create and distribute content, assignments, and assessments. It can be used for classroom management tasks, and workloads can be streamlined by creating resources for commonly used items, which can be copied and edited as needed. Student groups can be created, making it easier to individualize assignments.

Links to interactive lectures can be added to an assignment, enabling students to participate regardless of their location. Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Drawings can be shared with direct links to small groups or the whole class, allowing for collaboration on one document. Schoology can also create a copy for each student for independent work. Discussion boards can be used for collaboration. Students are not limited to just submitting Google files for their work product. They can upload videos, images, and take imbedded assessments, which makes it possible to assign learning activities that are more than just PDF’s of old worksheets. Assessments can be created within Schoology with various types of questions including typical objective questions, drag and drop, video responses, labeled images, and file uploads. Assignments can be submitted, and students can see the grade and any teacher feedback.

References

Harris, J. (2012, July 12). Judi Harris explica el modelo TPACK. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDwWg_g0JGE.  

Kimmons, R. (2011, March 22). TPACK in 3 Minutes. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wGpSaTzW58.  

Koehler, M. (2012, September 24). TPACK Explained. TPACK.ORG. http://matt-koehler.com/tpack2/tpack-explained/.

Lehotsky, J. (2016, April 14). TPACK & SAMR Model Presentation. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=lDV2oyAgu9Y.  

Robertson, C. (2013, April 26). TPACK in 2 Minutes. YouTube. https://youtu.be/FagVSQlZELY.

Rodgers, D. (2018, January 18). The TPACK Framework Explained (With Classroom Examples). Schoology. https://www.schoology.com/blog/tpack-framework-explained.  

Schoology. (2018, January 21). TPACK vs SAMR: Key Differences Between 2 Tech Frameworks. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=JVq4F36b8gM&feature=youtu.be.