Week 11 PLE Post

TPACK

Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge

PK(Pedagogical Knowledge is knowing how to teach.)

CK(Content Knowledge is knowing the facts about a particular subject.)

TK(Technological Knowledge is knowing about different technologies and how to use and apply them.)

The TPACK method uses all three knowledges at once for a dynamic learning experience. For example, since taking the IP&T287 class, I have been able to incorporate different technologies into lesson plans. My favorite one included the use of Stellerium, downloaded for free, which taught the phases of the moon. This is an important content standard for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students.

Representations of different technologies include technological, visual, auditory, dynamic, and multimodal. This semester my two favorite dynamic learning technology representations are Stellarium, as stated above, and Google Earth. Both of which have motivated both myself and my two children to learn more about the planet we live on and beyond.

Week 10 PLE Post/12

After watching the videos from the "In Time Video Database," I think that there are several key points that young children must learn when working with technology. It is most important to educate young children about the ethics of copyright laws when working with technology. If children are aware that there are boundaries and guidelines, they are likely to follow them and encourage other children to follow them too. Also, it is important to teach children technology using the regular vocabulary that is used when working with technology. By providing plenty of hands on practice and the correct vocabulary, children will quickly pick up the use of these skills. They are also able to communicate with their peers about what it is that they are learning with technology. If children are allowed to work in small groups on a project together, they can teach each other and enhance their own skills through teaching one another. It is amazing how quickly children pick up the skills needed for technology if they are provided the opportunity to learn and the proper know-how.

*note - this is suppose to be post 12.

Learning the Phases of the Moon with Stellarium

http://

Science Challenge Planning Activity Sheet

http://sites.google.com/site/sheilareynoldsipt287portfolio/science-project-challenge

Week 9 PLE Post

If I have successfully integrated technology into my lesson my students should be progressing steadily in whatever subject matter is being taught. Also if I am the one who integrated the technology, it is successful anytime it works. If the technology used accomplishes the needed learning, then I would consider it a welcome addition to any lesson. I believe I will know when I have chosen to use the right technology when it is relatively easy to implement.

google earth

Week 8 PLE Post

1. What are some of the problems with learning TPACK skills?

One of the problems with learning TPACK skills that the article suggests is that although learning in small workshop based groups are good, learning from the source of the technology might be better.

There is difficulty with the integration of educational technologies in K-12 classroom instruction. Teachers instruction are activity-based and content focused. To integrate effective technology requires skills, one needs interdependent content, technological, and pedagogical knowledge.

2. What is the main idea of the article?

The article indicates that an approach is needed for teachers to help them better integrate technologies and directly link students to content-related learning needs, content-based learning activities, and related educational technologies.

3. What are some of the ideas in the article that led you to your main idea?

The article indicated that the integration of technologies in classroom instruction needs an easier approach. This approach should be based upon content-based learning activities. This is the primary element in instructional planning.

4. What are some reasons that this article might be important for you as a teacher?

As a teacher continues to integrate technologically-based instruction and activities in the classroom, this article might provide some quick and helpful insights directing one to an easier approach.