TPACK and VoiceThread Assignment

Introduction
to TPACK for online class

Link to PDF version of Assignment

Technology is a fantastic and effective learning tool when used correctly.
The question becomes….what does correct and effective use of technology look like? How do we know when we are using it appropriately? What guides an educator in selecting cutting edge technology other then the ‘cool’ factor? This week, we’ll be looking at TPACK. Technological, Pedagological, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) is a model for technology integration…mainly applied to new, cutting edge tools, such as many popular Web 2.0 tools like Facebook and Twitter.

This week, you’ll be creating your own VoiceThread (online free presentation tool for others to comment on) to enhance your blog pages with information about TPACK. Directions are listed below...step by step.

1. What is TPACK??

Watch the following VoiceThread introduction to TPACK: http://voicethread.com/share/1859321/

 

2. Want more text based information? Here's Punya's TPACK site. Read over: http://punya.educ.msu.edu/research/tpck/



3. Expand your understanding. Punya and Matt (guys who developed the expanded TPACK model) came up with a creative video to explain more about the model and it's use in education. Watch this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNoijjIrPT8

4. Hopefully, you have a solid foundation for TPACK. The model is really designed to support new, innovative technologies in the classroom. If you'd like one last video overview, you can view this teacher created video on TPACK in the classroom: http://vimeo.com/16291486.

If you are comfortable with the foundation of TPACK, lets apply your understanding to creating your own VoiceThread. If you'd like more information, Google TPACK and review the many articles, websites, and videos.

Assignment

After reviewing the resources on TPACK, you should have a good idea about how it might work for you. The question is, can you explain that to a colleague? You’ll be creating a VoiceThread (www.voicethread.com) presentation. (If you are new to VoiceThread you can view the overview session here: http://voicethread.com/?#q.b409.i848804)

Your VoiceThread will be based on your understanding of what TPACK is, what it’s about and how it might help teachers to choose the correct technology that support their curriculum and teaching style. You will create a 5 slide (minimum) VoiceThread presentation that includes 3 images

Create VoiceThread Account

1. Visit VoiceThread (www.voicethread.com).


2. On the top right hand corner, click on 'register'. Create your free VT account.


3. After you have an account, log in, and click on the 'CREATE' tap.


4. Follow the step by step instructions to develop your VT.


5. Development Hint: Have your story created and your images selected prior to starting.


6. Create a storyboard/step by step list of ideas you will be talking about, then you can find images/media to support each of your ideas. You will need to download your images to create your VT. You can access images from the TPACK website, Google search the web, or free images at http://pics4learning.com/ or http://morguefile.com/

The audience will be other teachers in a school who have never heard of TPACK. Once you’ve completed your presentation, embed it within your blog as a "Posting"


Your have our 3 hour class meeting today (should be done with assignments), but if not you can complete for homework. All assignments are due by Thursday, June 23rd, noon, before class.

Email me with any questions.
Randy