TPACK and Science Technologies

I loved learning about TPACK -- Technological Pedagogical And Content Knowledge. We discussed how many people have a combination of two of the three types of knowledge (technological, pedagogical, and content), but it is so important that we as teachers have a firm understanding of all three types of knowledge. Technological knowledge allows us to teach content in an exciting and unique way. Pedagogical knowledge provides us with concrete teaching practices and allows us to better understand the way our students learn. Content knowledge is essential for teaching curriculum. Truly, we will become much more effective teachers if we use all three types of knowledge in our classrooms.

In class, I really enjoyed using the temperature probe to record and manipulate temperatures. I think that this could be an excellent tool in my future classroom. It would be helpful for students as they perform experiements, it would give them greater experience using technology for school assignments, and it would make learning more fun!

RSS and Web 2.0

I think that RSS feeds, Goodreads, and Delicious are excellent tools for teachers! They are instant resources that we as teachers can have at our fingertips. I look forward to using Goodreads to keep track of my favorite children's books and having my students view my recommendations for book suggestions. RSS feeds can be helpful in quickly informing me of news, and I can use Delicious in my classroom to use information from educational websites in my lessons. These will be great aids in my teaching!

My Technological Background

During my childhood, I enjoyed using computers in my elementary school classrooms and at computer labs. Additionally, I loved using our family computer. I took several computer classes during middle school and high school. I have enjoyed using the Internet and Microsoft Word, Powerpoint, and Excel to complete assignments during my public school and BYU years, and using e-mail to communicate and research. Although I am not extremely technologically advanced, I do appreciate technology's essential nature in our society. I am excited to gain new skills!