Phase+1

=Reflection on Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge=

**__Sarah:__**

(TK) When I look back at my knowledge of technology, I feel as if I have a solid understanding of technology. I have spent a lot of time attending workshops on new technology programs and how to impliment them into my classroom so my students can benifit through using them. I have used the computer since I was very young and have grown accustom to using it in my daily life. I find that I often teach myself new programs on the computer based on my background knowledge and prior experiences with the computer. I believe that I am able to do this due to the fact that I learn the best through practice and exploration.

(PK) I believe that I also have a high knowledge of pedagogy. I understand what is reuqired to create an environment to foster learning. I take into consideration that my students are all different types of learners and implement a variety of learning strategies and theories to meet the needs of all my students. Since I am only a year out of college, I believe that I have learned up to date strategies and theories to use in my classroom, and feel confident doing so.

(CK) When it comes to content knowledge, I take a large amount of time for myself to completely understand the content in which I need to teach to my students. I try to create lessons that are interesting and hands on to create long lasting understanding of the content. I am constantly looking for new resources and professional development to continue to expand my content knowledge, so I can deliver the best instruction that I can to my students.

Overall, I believe that I can identify myself high on the TPACK model. I understand what I need to teach my students, how I need to teach them the content, and what will foster an environment for positive long lasting learning. Additionally I understand technology and how to use a variety of different types of technology.

__**Ashley:**__

(CK) I am fairly confident in my understanding of Content Knowledge.I feel most confident in social studies and math content areas.Math was my area of concentration on college and I spent a lot of time working on our new social studies curriculum this past year. This is only my second year teaching elementary school, so I have a long way to go before I completely master the content knowledge of all the subjects that I teach. I am still learning everyday!

(PK) In regards to my pedagogical knowledge, I am still figuring out what strategies work best for different objectives.I realized that my philosophy supports many constructivist theories, but I implement more direct theories.One thing I want to work on is taking more time to create and assess more “constructivist” activities.

(TK) I feel that I am most confident in my technological knowledge.I grew up using computers, digital cameras and many other forms of technology.I have also taken advantage of a lot of professional development opportunities in both college and in my district.I learn new programs and devices pretty quickly, can usually troubleshoot minor problems and feel comfortable teaching others.

I feel that I am pretty high on the TPACK model. In the past two years I have increasingly become more knowlegeable in all three areas, especially technology. I always try to vary the strategies I use in the various content areas to meet the needs of all learners. I have also made many efforts to incorperate technology into my daily teaching.

__**Jamie:**__

(TK) I feel my knowledge of technology is adequate. I was absolutely a "Digital Native" growing up, but feel that as I have gotten older, it's been harder to keep up with all the new advancements. I am confident in terms of using a computer (Spreadsheets, Power Points, Word Processing, Internet Use, etc.), digital camera, and cell phone, because that's what I have been exposed to my whole life. However, I feel less confident with things like SmartBoards because I never had those in school. I am young, though, and am not afraid to try new software and machines. I appreciate technology and have enough of a baseline knowledge that while new advancements might initially confuse me, they don't intimidate me.

(PK) I think teachers are constantly building upon their pedagogical knowledge. I am a recent college graduate, and like both Sarah and Ashley, I feel I have been equipped with recent and relevant strategies to use in the classroom. I enjoy professional development days and opportunities to learn from colleagues, because I don't think there is necessarily one answer or strategy that will always work, and it's nice to have a repertoire of ideas to pull from. Much like Ashley, I believe wholeheartedly in constructivist theory, but find myself implementing objectivist-based teaching more often. I would like to reach more of a balance between the two.

(CK) I feel my content knowledge is strong, especially in the area of math. I can make connections to past lessons and talk about real world applications without prompting or planning. I think my students tend to get the most out of math, compared to other subjects, because it is the hour in which I am most passionate. I am less confident in social studies, but try hard to study additional resources at home so that I can build upon merely what is in the textbook. Sometimes the basic material can seem dry to the kids, so it's nice to have enough content knowledge to be able to supplement with engaging facts, discussions, and simulations.

I think in the TPACK model I am about halfway there. I have a strong base for all three areas of knowledge, but am working to figure out the best ways to connect them. My integration of content and pedagogy (PCK) is what I basically learned throughout my undergraduate years, but I am still working to figure out how to appropriately use my knowledge of new technology with those two components.