TPACK "For Dummies"

TPACK is the combination of technology, pedagogy, and content knowledge. Together they form an overall knowledge of how to use a combination of all three harmoniously in a classroom. To do so, you must have an understanding of all three areas and how to work with them.

Technological Knowledge: "Any definition of technology is in danger of becoming outdated by the time this text has been published" (Koehler, Mishra 64). Technology is always changing, and what matters is you stay up to date when it comes to learning current technology. For example, being able to use Smartboards in your classroom.

Pedagogical Knowledge: In Koehler's and Mishra's words it is a "teachers’ deep knowledge about the processes and practices or methods of teaching and learning"(Koehler, Mishra 64). A teacher must understand a student's background, how to teach, how to mentor, and how to do other education functions such as lesson planning. For example, if a white, middle class female is teaching in an inner-city school she must understand the audience she is teaching and adapt her lesson plans to have them understand the lesson.

Content Knowledge: Quite simply, the knowledge of the subject the teacher is teaching. But also keeping in mind what age group you are teaching. "The content to be covered in middle school science or history is different from the content to be covered in an undergraduate course on art appreciation or a graduate seminar on astrophysics"(Koehler, Mishra 63). A history course for middle school children is vastly watered down and summarized compared to a high school class.

Combining the three with proper knowledge of how to use all can ensure a more productive class environment.

Source: Koehler, M., & Mishra, P. (2009). Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (J. Harris & M. Koehler, Eds.). Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teach Education, 9, 60-70. Retrieved September 27, 2015, from http:jwilson.coe.uga.edu/EMAT7050/articles/KoehlerMishra.pdf