This week in CEP810, we learned about the idea of TPACK (technology, pedagogy and content knowledge) and how it applies to teaching. According to Kereliuk, Mishra & Koehler (2011), TPACK is “an integrated framework for reasoning how technology connects to content knowledge and knowledge of teaching.” Mishra discussed the fact that very little technology is created for teaching, so we use the technology we are given and repurpose it to fit our needs. Teachers also need to have a solid understanding of technology to be able to apply it to the content areas that we teach and use technology as a tool that enhances learning.
In keeping that mindset, we were given a challenge this week to use three given tools (a bowl, plate and utensil) selected by someone else, draw a task out of a hat and complete it with the given tools. I was given a wooden spoon, mixing bowl and serving platter to make a peanut butter and jelly. I expected it to be much more of a challenge than it turned out to be! I repurposed the spoon into a knife, much like teachers can repurpose technology to fit into their content in the classroom! Find my cooking challenge video below.
This should be a concept that all educators are open to. Technology is constantly changing and morphing, but content remains the same. Teachers should be able to adapt and repurpose technology to fit their content area. As technology continues to grow and evolve, teachers should also grow in their knowledge to continue to use the TPACK framework to benefit their students.
References
Kereluik, K., Mishra, P. & Koehler, M.J. (2011). On learning to subvert signs: Literacy, technology and the TPACK framework. The California Reader, 44(2), 12-18. download .pdf
Exploring Tech for Little Minds 
Danielle,
I love how you connected the challenge to TPACK. It’s so true, we did have to adapt to our surroundings in order to make this challenge work, just like teachers have to do with technology in order for it to fit into our classrooms sometimes. I like that you showed us your thought process as you worked through the best ways to utilize the utensil you were given by using the handle of the spoon, rather than the spoon itself. Sometimes you have to make things work for you, even if it’s not the best circumstances, like in teaching. Technology may not work 100% of the time, or it could be difficult to adapt certain technologies to all of our lessons, but adapting and being willing to change and up for the challenge is the important thing.
Great post!
Melissa
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