Blog # 4

What is the difference between technology in education and educational technology?

Educational technology is utilizing technology effectively for student learning. Although there are many tools available to educators, how the tool is used determines its effectiveness. For example, the use of a computer could be drastically different from one classroom to the next. Trends in educational technology has shifted student learning from the classroom to online classes. Educational content can now be accessed anywhere and at anytime. Student progress can now be measured more effectively. If a student completes an assignment or quiz online, it is immediately handed in for credit. Students also have the opportunity to learn using alternative learning styles. Interactive learning has been developed such as coding applications that teach students different coding skills. The key to effective educational technology is to keep learning objectives in mind without pushing technology for technology sake.

What is TPACK and how does it help us better understand the role and impact of technology?

The TPACK cases we watched in class gave me a better idea of how I can implement technology in everyday lessons. According to the tpackcases.org, “TPACK involves an interaction among all three forms of knowledge—technological knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and content knowledge”. After watching and discussing the TPACK cases I think educators have the responsibility to not only develop new ways to teach integrating technology but, to share that with others. That is something I sometimes struggle with. As teachers, we get so busy in our own classrooms, we forget that educational technologies we use could be implemented in other classrooms as well. The TPACK website states that it is looking for additional examples of TPACK teaching in K-12 classrooms. We are sometimes of the assumption that those examples can come from every classroom but, our own. Through this class I have seen the need to share and publish our ideas so others can see them. Through that collaboration, we can begin to create educational technologies that will benefit students.