Week+9+Journal

I think as we continue to go through this course, we will need to be careful to make sure we are seeing all three components of the TPACK model as integrated pieces of education that must coincide with each other in order to be effective. In planning professional development activities I think this will be a challenge because of the time element. Many teachers either leave immediately after contracted hours or do not participate in professional development unless it is mandatory or provides CEUs.

Some questions I have about TPACK include the following: How do we evaluate the degree of success in implementing the TPACK model? How to we design a professional development program using the TPACK model? As a coach, how do I get technology team members to have program "buy in" with limited support from their district technology department or central administration, as well as increased pressure on student testing and too many other commitments in addition to this course?

I see the possibility of TPACK being effective in engaging students through the use of technology. When students are engaged in the project or activity, they are also engaged in the content. As long as teachers design lessons and projects in a manner that is suitable and easily accessible for students, I see TPACK having a significant impact on student achievement and motivation.

TPACK will be beneficial as I continue to communicate the potential of this program to the decision makers within the district. In order to implement technology successfully in our environment, all teachers involved in this program are going to have to master teh TPACK model of instruction. It will not be able to just be something that is incorporated into the classroom sporatically, but instead will need to be part of their curriculum and lesson planning as they continue through the integration process. Until we, as a team, are successful in implementing TPACK, I do not see progress happening within this district.