TPACK and Unprepared Teachers

In an time of increased technology and the importance of technological knowledge, teachers are often under informed on how to best incorporate technology into their classrooms. Teacher education programs and school districts push the importance of using technology in the classroom, but that is often where the instruction ends. Many are left to navigate the incorporation themselves with little to no explicit instruction on how to use technology to best serve their students. Most technology now being used in classrooms incorporate content and technological knowledge, but are missing important pedagogical knowledge. Teachers are so concerned with creating a technology rich curriculum and getting students to interact with as much technology as possible that they are forgoing important pedagogical instruction. This research ties into the article discussing the struggles of new teachers in the sense that teachers are often left to fend for themselves after graduation. While there are professional development opportunities available, there are little to no everyday resources for teachers to turn to when curriculum help is needed.

Observation Guide

Date: September 2, 2015

Location: Library

Lesson Topic: Picture Books

    3.   Teacher’s incorporation of Technology:

●‧What technology(ies) is the teacher incorporating in the lesson? Powerpoint shown on smartboard.

●‧How is the teacher incorporating these technologies?

She is using the smartboard to display powerpoint and outlines over the material.

●‧What are the benefits and drawbacks for the teacher related to using the technology(ies)?

She is dependent on the technology to teach us instead of engaging student’s herself. But it is easier to take notes if it’s shown on the board.

●‧Are there any other Technology tools that the mentor teacher could address?

No, does not fit into curriculum.

        6.   Reflection

●‧How did incorporating this instructional technology(ies) help the students to learn? How effective was it? Explain your answer.

It was not necessary to facilitate learning, just supported the discussion in class.