TPACK

TPACK or Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (Tpack.org) basically is whether an educator is prepared to and willing to teach in a world of constantly changing technology. TPACK is important, because we must prepare our students to go into the real world and be productive and successful. Tech is at the forefront of nearly every industry in one form or another. It's important that our students know how to operate and compete in that climate. I feel pretty good with regard to my technology aptitude, but intend to continuously upgrade and increase my knowledge base and practices. I believe all teachers should be working toward the goal of being "tech-savvy." I also feel that in the very near future it will no longer be a choice, but rather a requirement for all teachers to be on top of their technology game.

NETS addressed:

5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating
the effective use of digital tools and resources.

1. Participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning
   
2. Exhibit leadership by demonstrating a vision of technology infusion, participating in shared decision making and community building, and developing the leadership and technology skills of others
   
3. Evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning
   
4. Contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self- renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community 
   

Academic Writing APA style

Three words: OH! MY! GOSH!!  This took me forever to do.  I didn't realize how rusty I had become where referencing comes in. I'm also hoping that I did the right thing by googleing first definition in the paper to find out who the author was.  It seemed most likely to be tied to an prof. named Charles Bonnell who does workshops and has written a book on the subject.  At any rate, that is who I gave credit to for the number 2 reference.  I have a new respect for my students who are just learning how to reference and cite sources. I now see how they get so confused, and well, down right irritated.  At any rate, I managed to muddle my way through and here are the results.  I can honestly say that I hope I don't have to do another one of these for awhile!

On a more positive note, however, there were some web sites out there that I found quite helpful.  As always, my old standby site for citations and such is the Purdue Owl.  I also found some helpful tools on eturabian.com.  Yes, I know what you're thinking, but "eturabian" has its namesake's formatting as well as APA and MLA formatting tools.

The NETS addressed in this assignment:
 

3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning

Teachers exhibit knowledge, skills, and work processes representative of an innovative professional in a global and digital society. Teachers:

a.	demonstrate fluency in technology systems and the transfer of current knowledge to new technologies and situations.
b.	collaborate with students, peers, parents, and community members using digital tools and resources to support student success and innovation.
c.	communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats.
d.	model and facilitate effective use of current and emerging digital tools to locate, analyze, evaluate, and use information resources to support research and learning

Creativity

This was an awesome Video by Sir Ken Robinson about how public education, while well meaning, is actually squandering our children's creativity by crushing it as a young age. He discusses how not everyone can or should fit into a neat and tidy mold of what has become known to educators as the model student.  The model student of course growing up to be a college professor.

I can really relate to this seeing as how my undergraduate degree is in Business Administration.  There was a day when a BS in Buad was sought after.  Now, I hate to say , but Bachelor's degrees in business are a dime a dozen.  At the very least, you must have an MBA and usually more specialization to go anywhere in middle or upper management.

The world's employment face is changing as technology changes.  I agree with Mr. Robinson that we need more diversity and more creativity.  Lets face it, if you are doing what you love, you're much more likely to put your heart and soul into it.  When we are doing what we love, we are happier, healthier and more productive.

As educators, it is important for us to remember that we are teaching children to become positive productive members of society and not to just become "mini mees" or excellent test takers.

4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility

Teachers understand local and global societal issues and responsibilities in an evolving digital culture and exhibit legal and ethical behavior in their professional practices.

a. Advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.

b. Address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources

 

5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

Teachers continuously improve their professional practice, model lifelong learning, and exhibit leadership in their school and professional community by promoting and demonstrating the effective use of digital tools and resources.

c. Evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning.

d. Contribute to the effectiveness, vitality, and self-renewal of the teaching profession and of their school and community.