TPACK: What is It and Why Does It Matter?

Technology is changing our world in many ways and as educators we need to find the best way to integrate the new technologies into our instruction. TPACK, defined by Koehler and Mishra (2008) provides a framework of what teachers need to know to most effectively integrate technology into the curriculum.

First of all, we all know that educators love anagrams. I will define TPACK using a mix of text and images to try to sum up the main ideas. 

TPACK includes 3 basic areas.

T = TECHNOLOGY

  Technology can include anything from pencils to computers. However, it's the new, digital technologies that are challenging to incorporate into teaching. Information technology is "unstable" according to Koehler and Mishra, meaning it's rapidly changing. Additionally, much of digital technology is "protean," meaning it has more than one use. Frequently, the use is not necessarily designed for education, hence it must be adapted. The bottom line is that teachers need to have knowledge about technology in order to be able to implement it effectively.

P = PEDAGOGY

Teachers need to understand how students learn and how best to convey information to students. Pedagogy refers to the values and beliefs that teachers have education. The bottom line is that teachers need to find ways to integrate their pedagogical knowledge with technology to best teach their content.

C = CONTENT

Content refers to the subject matter being taught. Teachers need to have deep knowledge about what they are teaching. In my case, I teach English. The question now becomes, how does everything fit together?

K = KNOWLEDGE

Effective instruction requires the intersection of technological knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and content knowledge. Additionally, teachers must understand which technology best suits the content that they are teaching and meets the learning needs of their students. It sounds simple, but there are a few challenges.

ROADBLOCKS (not part of the anagram!)

One of the challenges is the continually changing nature of technology. Teachers need more in service training. Also, the state of constant change requires teachers to be adaptable, both to learning new technology and adapting technology to their content and pedagogical needs.

Funding for technology is limited in places and can pose challenges.

The integration of technology is a "wicked problem," implying that there is not a linear solution.

Teaching is an "ill-structured discipline." Situations vary widely, so there is no such thing as "one solution fits all."

However, the BOTTOM LINE is that we can, we must, and we will find a way to make it work. As educators, we have a responsibility to prepare our students for the 21st century.

Here is the TPAK diagram designed by Matthew Koehler.

“Reproduced by permission of the publisher, © 2012 by tpack.org”