TPACK stands for....

"Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge"

Now that may sound like dribble to you, as it did to me just a few weeks ago, so let me run you through it.

TPACK is the framework which guides teaching today. The framework consists of the use of three different types of knowledge:

• Technology knowledge;
• Pedagogical knowledge; and
• Content knowledge.

The TPACK framework was developed by Mishra and Koehler who added technology to Shulman's concept of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) (Baran, Chuang & Thompson, 2011, p370).

Technology Knowledge

This category (TK) includes knowledge of both standard technologies and advanced technologies (Mishra & Koehler, 2006, p 1,027). Standard technologies include tools such as books, pens and paper, whereas advanced technologies include tools such as the Internet, mobile phones and digital video clips (Mishra & Koehler, 2006, p1,027).

One will have knowledge of a technology if they have "the skills required to operate [that] particular technolog[y]" (Mishra & Koehler, 2006, p1,027).

Pedagogical Knowledge

"Pedagogical knowledge (PK) is deep knowledge about the processes and practises or methods of teaching and learning and how it encompasses, among other things, overall educational purposes, values, and aims," (Mishra & Koehler, 2006, p1,026).

Content Knowledge

Content knowledge (CK) is knowledge about the topic being taught to students; knowledge of the subject matter, (Mishra & Koehler, 2006, p1,026).

If you combine these three different types of knowledge you create...

TPACK:

Above is an example of a Venn Diagram, which illustrates how TPACK actually works.

The diagram shows that there is a cross over in the three different types of knowledge. Not only is there content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge and technological knowledge, but there is also:

• Pedagogical content knowledge (PCK);
• Technological content knowledge (TCK);
• Technological pedagogical knowledge (TPK); and in the centre is
• Technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK).

TPACK is the basis and centre of good teaching using technology (Mishra & Koehler, 2006, p1,029). It incorporates knowledge of technology, pedagogy and content all in one. All teachers should aim to incorporate TPACK in their everyday teaching.

One of the most important things I have learnt about TPACK is that quality teaching and TPACK is not just simply about adding technology to existing pedagogy and content. Rather, "productive technology integration in teaching needs to consider [each of the TPACK knowledges] not in isolation" but in unison.