TPACK Model

TPACK Model 

TPACK is one of the technology models available to educators in their quest to learn how to use a framework to evaluate and balance skills and knowledge for technology integration in the context of their current ability to use content and pedagogy as interrelated elements of instruction. The strength of the TPACK model resides in the fact that it looks at the complexities of teaching from the perspective of content, pedagogy, technology, and the intersections of each one as part of the instructional process. It is in the practice and application of these interrelations that technology cannot be integrated as an add on or a with a one size fits all approach. 

Recommendations

Revolution in education continues to be the work and the task of human beings, not the work of technology tools that are randomly used to plan and deliver instruction. The TPACK model teaches us that revolution in education occurs when we skillfully look and balance the cognitive process and interactions occurring between what we know and want our students to know, how we want our students to know it, and how technology can support and transform the learning process.

The TPACK model should not be promoted in education circles as a model to learn and follow but rather as a framework that helps teachers visualize and intrinsically balance the elements of instruction that come into play when designing and providing digital learning experiences for students.  Technology should be looked upon with critical eyes and an open mind when finding its practical application to specific content areas. The existing literature regarding TPACK suggests that we are on a discovery process for content and pedagogy transformation processes as new technologies change and determine how different subject areas are constantly being redefined and reinvented by the use of 21^st Century digital resources.

It is imperative that educators continue to focus on mastery of learning objectives and the creation of authentic experiences through the use of technologies that promote discovery, creativity, connections, collaborations, as well as learning experiences that address existing global issues.

Vlog#8: Multimedia Learning Reflection

Vlog#7 Multimedia: Gamestar Mechanic

This week I was introduced to Video Game creation in my multimedia class. As soon as I read the assignment for this week, I panicked: "Students will be creating a 5 level video game using Gamestar Mechanic". Wow, I thought. This is going to be challenging. That was an understatement. In order to be able to publish a game in Gamestar Mechanic you have to complete 5 different missions with multiple levels each. Well, here I go, how difficult can it be to play video games?  What's all this fuzz about video games?! 

I am not a game video game player. I am not that old but let's say that PacMan and Mario Brothers were a must when I was growing up. I tried video games and I was never proficient at them. Since I did not experience success, I quit. I saw no purpose. Well, my opinion about video games has changed. There is actually a set of skills, knowledge, and abilities required to be successful at playing video games. My 12 year old summarized it: I told him I was frustrated because the evil spirits were too fast and my avatars were getting killed. "They are too fast", I said. My son responded: "Mom, I think you are too slow!"  He is right. I am officially considered a digital immigrant. I have a digital accent- there are certain skills I lack and in regards to video games, and just like with spoken language, there are certain sounds my tongue just can't and won't pronounce right. My digital accent in video game playing is my inability to quickly do eye- hand coordination motions  to achieve proficiency in gaming. 

How is this important in technology integration? It seems to me that in the 21st century, it is important for teachers to remember who we are in the digital world. Don't force it. Approach technology with lots of practice, practice, practice. Be willing to recognize that you have a digital accent and others will notice that you are not a native. Accept with pride that there will be things you will not do right and that others might have a hard time understanding your point or your frustration. Nevertheless, just like when speaking a foreign language, accents are beautiful and identify you for who you are. Admit when you need help from others and don't take the corrections or feedback too personal. Integrate technology to the best of your abilities and show grit. Keep at it and have fun in the process!

Vlog #6 Multimedia: Playing Around with Virtual Reality

It is truly amazing to realize how much there is to discover in the area of Augmented Reality (AR) and its uses in the classroom. This week I played around with several AR apps that are fun and that can be educational. My professor Joe Marquez showed us how to use Anatomy 4D, Quiver Vision 3D coloring, Elements 4D, and some other fun apps to create special effects such as Green Screen Apps. There is so much to discover that I decided to try out two apps in my classroom: Anatomy 4D and Quiver Vision Coloring.

I recommend that teachers explore AR apps in the classroom for fun and then decide which ones may have a practical application in the classroom. I believe learning has gotten more interactive and engaging with all that AR apps have to offer. Here is a Vlog I created to show my excitement about AR apps and a sample of students' excitement when they were playing: around with AR in the classroom.

Vlog #5 Multimedia Tools: Using Video Assessment Tools Platforms

Spanish 1 students will soon be required to create and present their first dialogue in Spanish. They will be required to memorize and present the project in front of the class. In order to scaffold knowledge, I have learned to use video assessment tools. One of them is Zaption. Zaption allows you to use any You Tube Video to insert interactive features to check for understanding and assess mastery of knowledge. Zaption offers a free trial version. It also offers a platform where students and teachers can find preloaded "tours". Tours are interactive videos that students use to learn about a topic and assess their understanding.

I was really impressed about the engagement a video assessment platform can offer. I was doing some research about video assessment tools. I explored different ones. I came across an interactive math lesson in math. It was about percentages. My 12 year old son was practicing his Saxophone in the same room. The video I was playing got his attention and he was all excited. He wanted to watch it. He started watching it and without asking me he started answering all the math questions about percentages. He was so engaged and excited ( I was thrilled! He was willingly reviewing math percentages!). Later he noticed that the video was 8 minutes long. He told me: "Mom, that was 8 minutes? It did not feel like it!"

I like the possibilities that I am finding in video assessment tools. I am using video assessment tools now to scaffold and assess knowledge. Here is a short video vlog that describes how I use video tools.

Vlog #4 Multimedia: Google Hang Outs and More

I can't believe there is so much to learn about multimedia. I thought I was very fluent in digital literacy and technology. Through my classes in the Masters in Educational Technology I am learning that there is more than one way to do something. This week I learned about broadcasting live on the internet. I used Google Hangs Out on Air and recorded a lesson and a vlog in a different format. I find Google Hangs Out on Air to be an extremely useful tool for recording tutorials, co-teaching, and helping students and professionals stay connected. Here is a snap shot of what I learned:

Vlog #3 Multimedia Learning Assumptions: The Principles

In this short presentation I gather several resources in the form of links which help me document and explain the principles of multimedia learning based on the book Multimedia Learning by Dr. Richard Mayer. I used YouTube video upload feature and edited the video using the annotations tool to add links, text, and other elements.