The+TIP+Model+-+TPACK

Lesson Title: Instructional Multimedia Project - Artful Science  Grade: 9-12  Content Area: Cross-curricular arts and science integration through technology  Lesson Length: In process

__**Phase 1: Reflect on Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK)**__

//**What is my knowledge of technology (TK)?**//

Collectively, we consider ourselves technologically savvy within our individual needs. Each of us possess varying degrees of working knowledge of computers, laptops, cellphones, digital recorders, cameras, Kindles, cellphones, Smartphones, or iPads, but the limitations to our knowledge is knowing how we can make them work for our purposes. Knowledge acquired for these technologies was derived mostly through application, whether it was acquired by a personal, professional, or educational practice, more often based on need than curiosity. However, we also consider ourselves equally adept in grasping new technologies and are confident in our ability to expand our current technological knowledge into the classroom.

 (Scott) While I am very much ‘initiated’ into the realm of technology and an avid learner, I am not by any stretch an expert. I own just about any tool or implement that allows for discovery, but hesitate to fully read the manuals and follow through in lieu of time. I learn through application, which is sometimes limiting and sometimes beneficial, but it truly depends on the technology and the needed use. As a result, I end up with a great many resources that are half-learned or learned in the moment. At present I am muddling through I-Movie and Garage Band to find sound for a science lesson but I cannot say I would have sought out the technological advances of such a system without the need. Perhaps I am a ‘need-based’ learner of technology rather than one of curiosity. I also roll with trends and am armed with the newest advances in my fear of lacking in current approval of what is deemed advanced or recommended. As an educator I am in active pursuit of the utilization of technology even when I am not fully aware of the impact it can have. I am not the most knowledgeable but I certainly feel I am one of the most embracing and open-minded when it comes to technological usage. I have a basic understanding of just about every tool and program from computerized format to digital processes. However, I lack the depth to be a master of any one system. I am on par but relatively speaking far from advanced.

 (Karen) My technological knowledge is probably a 7 on a scale of 1 to 10. I am very comfortable working with computers, laptops, and cellphone applications, but the crux of my computer savvy comes in learning new technologies and software through my employment and education. Spreadsheets, databases, Word programs, and other multimedia devices are easily navigable, as are websites, video and phone conferences, but like Scott my knowledge is more need based; while I have workable knowledge of several technologies, I do not consider myself an expert. I do, however, consider myself flexible and open to learning new things, and my proven ability to grasp new technologies provides me the confidence to reach higher and wider to integrate new processes for increased knowledge.

(William) I have owned and operated my own corporation that designs online marketing campaign, and develops web sites. The company has been in exist for nearly 5 years. The name of my company is Crincom, which is really just a hobby and surprisingly has produce some profits but I never tried to take to the next level. I am hoping to find time, to start developing software applications for mobile markets, such as for hte I Phone, Android, or Blackberries, this is the marketing of the future.

//**What is my knowledge of pedagogy (PK)?**//

(Scott) My profession allows me to be flexible and adaptable in my pedagogy. Of the areas I feel most confident, it is my ability to teach technological elements or any subject to my students. I require of myself the role of expert for teaching without knowing is quite dangerous. I make sure to apply my knowledge as a learned professional. As per the above question I have spent many a frustrating afternoon at the Apple Store learning new programs and have also spoken to friends and computer ‘people’ before applying my knowledge to the classroom. In some cases I have even asked my students for the basics so that I can garner more advanced knowledge. From the standpoint of teaching, I think I have that down pretty well in comparison to every other portion of this model. It is my greatest strength and asset. Specific to technology or any area within my practice, I strive to be able to prepare myself for error and experiment in my design and presentation. I try to allow for learning style and the leveling of my students and their own past experiences with the lessons at hand. I think that disregarding any ‘specific’ content, understanding that students learn differently through many means and avenues is in itself the greatest knowing of a pedagogical professional. I certainly ‘get’ the areas I teach within a subject but I could probably stand a greater linkage to how that might be a testament in my technological expression. I also believe that to teach with any idea of a standard of excellence requires me as the teacher to have the ability to exceed it in presentation to push my students forward.

 (Karen) In my occasional training role at work, it is fair to say that I’m familiar with direct and constructive learning as well as cooperative learning. This program, along with my psychology studies, helps me to understand how learners are affected by their environments, and that teaching (or learning) must be approached with consideration for what is being taught, how it is best learned, and the individual needs of the students involved.

(William) Understanding the process of teaching is the purpose of being here. To gain understanding of the environment a teacher must develop and maintain in order to ensure instruction is being conducted and learning is taking place. The process is not merely standing in front of a class and lecturing for the allotted time it is about assessment, curriculum, professional approach, and having an understanding of epistemology.

//**What is my knowledge of content (CK)?**//

(Scott) My entire basis for being here is to secure a better integration of technology within my teachings. My content is very strong with what I know and very limited in what I don’t. I am hopeful that in this project to pursue an area which I am less knowledgeable so that I become more of an expert on the technological front. My long term objectives are to utilize arts and sciences in a collective understanding. I am highly artistically inclined and extremely scientifically minded. In both areas I feel I have a heightened understanding as a teacher. I know my subjects well and I am ever reading more about them or learning the techniques that will assist me in meeting my current student demographic. They change so often that being up to snuff if somewhat or a must in the line of privatized education. Content is never the problem in my eyes. That is even apparent in the work we have done here so far. It is HOW to utilize that content in an effective approach to multiply levels that will always be the struggle.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> (Karen) I’m going to go with Scott on this one. While I possess knowledge and experience in many regards, my teaching has been limited to corporate processes.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">(William) As with Karen, I mostly work in a corporate setting but do possess knowledge and experience.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">//**Where do I see myself in the TPACK model?**//

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">(Scott) While I am unable to speak for my team as a whole at present, I see myself as further along than most but somewhat behind those more attuned to the advancements that training and institutionalized learning can provide. I move from location, school, and socioeconomic environments that often hinder my various levels of knowledge. In one environment when working with fifth graders I am an expert while in others with collegiate students I am usually just keeping up. I am in constant flux dependent on the situation. While this might seem like me running from the answer, it is truly a more actualized depiction of what I experience daily. This is also why I struggle with the idea of the TPACK model because my uniformity changes depending on the need and level of student. I see myself as average, just about where I should be but by no means far and above where I could. This is after all why I am so excited about such an investigative project.

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> (Karen) On the TPACK model, I see myself somewhat a balance between the three, with my technological ability standing out before pedagogy and content. As I have worked in this program and applied some of its principles to ‘what I do,’ I find that I am becoming more adept at blending the three

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">(William) I feel confident enough with technology and my pedagogy, and see myself being able to handle all phases.

<span style="background-color: #ffffff; color: #000000; display: block; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; font-size: 120%; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">The TIP Model - Phase 2