TPACK

Reflections from Chapter One
Defining technology as a tool that combines many resources, while using problem solving skills to create a desired product, provides a clearer
understanding of technology for me. Technology, in this chapter, refers to analog and digital technology as tools that can be used to create a desired product.

As one who did not grow up with digital technology, I have found the definition of “digital immigrant” very fitting for myself. Being a” digital immigrant” places me in a digital divide with the “digital natives,” who have grown up with technology ( M.J. Kehler, & P. Mishra, 2008). This divide is similar to the diversity in learning styles, that we as educators encompass in our classrooms. The digital divide adds to the complex process of teaching and learning.

Through the years, I have tried to include digital technology into my first grade curriculum and my staff development goals. Being engulfed in my “functional fixedness” approach ( M.J. Kehler, & P. Mishra, 2008), I have allowed this to limit my ability to integrate digital technology in my classroom. This has effected my students’ continuation of experiences and knowledge using digtial technology, which places them at a deficit compared to other students.

Our staff development workshops are based on isolated technology skills, that do not help me to transition beyond this “functional fixedness” ( M.J. Kehler, & P. Mishra, 2008). Once I have become familiar with a software program or an operating system, the technology changes. This increases my frustration with technology.

I found the paragraph on educational games enlightening. I had thought educational games provided the same design and usage as commercial games. I was not aware that educational games had limitations and were ineffective in social interaction, complexity of mastery, and educational value, as compared to commercial games.

As we venture into this class, I am in hopes that the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge framework, will assist me in intergrating my content and pedagogy knowledge and also have a better understanding of technology.