TPACK Model for Teachers Development

 TPACK is a technology integration framework that identifies 3 types of knowledge instructors needs to combine for successful edtech integration-technological, pedagogical and content knowledge.(Rodger, 2018).TPACK model suggest that teachers need to know about the intersection of technology, pedagogy and content, specifically how these areas of knowledge interact and influence one another in unique and specific content.

The TPACK framework was firstly developed by Shulman(1986) and further expanded by Punya Mishra and Matthew J. Koehler of Michigan State University in 2006. With it, they identified 3 primary forms of knowledge.

This framework is needed for designing, implementing and evaluating curriculum and instruction with technology.The 3 components of TPACK are

• Technical knowledge

The technical knowledge helps teacher use and combine technology with teaching.i.e. technical knowledge is about how teachers use technology.

• Pedagogical knowledge

Pedagogical knowledge refers to the art and practice of teaching. Utilising the knowledge and putting into practice of transmitting the knowledge in an interesting way for students to learn. Teachers may know everything but doesn't know how to teach.

• Content knowledge

Content knowledge is the teachers' knowledge about the subject matter to be learnt or taught.                                                 

 Fig: TPACK Framework

TPACK is essential part of education system today as it includes growing demand on the use of technology in classroom. It is important for teachers to be completely up to date and knowledgeable with the curriculum and the component of TPACK.

TPACK framework suggests that teachers need to have deep understanding of each of the above component of knowledge in order to coordinate technology, pedagogy and content into teaching.A wide variety of strategies have been used to develop TPACK abilities such as 

1. professional collaboration and teachers talk
2. design-based lesson plan                        

Despite having numerous advantages and positive aspect that can upgrade the quality of education, there lies some drawbacks of it. Some of the drawbacks are listed as:

1. The simple act of adding technology will not necessarily enhance the course if the instructor hasn't done their job with due diligence.
2. The teacher deals with challenges like IT literate, internet connection and lack of ideas to create meaningful tasks using technology.

References

1. https://medium.com/@AJ_Craig/the-importance-of-tpack-868c0ee44fc6
2. https://www.punyamishra.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/TPACK-handbookchapter-2013.pdf
3. Mishra P, Koehler MJ. (2006) Technological pedagogical content knowledge: A framework for teacher knowledge. Teachers College Record, 108(6), 1017–1054.