Q5 - Impact on own TPCK and the social impact of technology

Week 13: Using a pedagogical lens, write an evaluation of the impact this project has had on your own TPCK. Discuss views on the social impact of technology on teachers and students.

I am very excited about what I have achieved and learnt in relation to ICT integration in the classroom throughout this course. I have identified numerous resources that are available to me when I become a qualified teacher that I can use in teaching any and all key learning areas. The course has also made me more aware of how important it is to incorporate technology-based lessons into classrooms as students find it more engaging and interactive.

The first strategy that is part of my personal TPCK is to become familiar with the technology before attempting to include it in my lessons. I tend to get overwhelmed by technology and lose sight of what I am trying to achieve. It is important for teachers to avoid obstacles such as lack of confidence, time and support in order to integrate ICT into their lessons successfully (Bingimlas, 2009). The second strategy that I incorporated into my TPCK is to use the technology in a way that would benefit all learners in the classroom. By doing this I would increase my understanding of multiliteracies and provide opportunities for all my students to learn regardless of their background. I believe by having these two strategies in my TPCK can only have positive outlook on my teaching and with practice, can only improve and increase my confidence to use ICT integration for all key learning areas (KLA’s).

Introducing technology in a healthy and engaging way can have a positive social impact. One way that technology has had a positive social impact is, how it not only plays an important role throughout a student’s school life but it also continues to benefit students and prepare them for life after school. Bingimlas (2009) explains how Grimus (2000) identifies that by teaching skills in ICT prepares students to confront future developments with confidence and accurate and strong understanding.

An additional way that highlights the positive social impacts that technology can have in the classroom is how it connects students to the real world. With the vast variety of resources that can be used to teach all KLA’s  lessons, students are exposed to learning how to become more social, accepting people who are understanding of the different cultures that surround them and learn respect for people and society. To add to this, technology provides opportunities to build on communication skills as well as group and individual skills.

To be able teach technology effectively it is important as a teacher to focus strongly on the three features of the TPCK model. The three features being; content, pedagogical and technology knowledge. If successful in using the three features together, Mishra & Koehler (2006) explain that a good technology based lesson will be evident surrounded by an engaging and a positive classroom environment.

As I personally have found technology much more exciting and a fun way to learn it seems almost obvious that students will find it just as exciting if not more. Giving students the opportunity to engage in learning in an interactive way makes teaching seem even more like a very rewarding profession, which I very much look for to being part of.