What is the TPACK model? Is it so crucial for the development and development of teachers’ skills?


It has lately come to my attention that teachers tend to deny using technology for various reasons. The most commonly used is that technology transforms the lesson into something completely different than it is supposed to be. Yes, technology can transform a tedious lesson into a funny one; that’s undeniable, but how teachers use it makes the difference between just having fun and having fun while learning simultaneously. However, technology alone is not a panacea for every education-related disease.

What's the TPACK model about?

The TPACK model is a theory developed to explain the set of knowledge teachers need to teach their students the subject matter with the help of technology.

Mishra and Koehler created the TPACK model due to the lack of another adequate theory to explain or guide the effective integration of technology in the classroom.
The tpack circle
TPACK name stems from the phrase Technological, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, etc

The TPACK model consists of 3 circles representing the qualifications and abilities a teacher should possess.

Blue Circle

The blue circle represents one’s content knowledge, also known as subject matter. In other words, it refers to the necessary understanding of the field taught by the teacher.

Yellow Circle

The yellow circle represents pedagogy, essential for developing the right strategies for effective student and classroom management.

Pink Circle

The pink circle is about technology. By the term technological knowledge, we practically mean selecting the most valuable digital tools and applications to enhance learning.

Mishra and Koehler, wanting to demonstrate the implicit connection of these three circles, defined that the competent, modern teacher must have the necessary skills so that the three circles of his knowledge eventually touch.

So, how crucial is the TPACK model to educators?

Nowadays, teachers should be well-educated regarding their expertise. This is called Content knowledge. The question is if this is enough. What about suitable pedagogical approaches for every student? This is the so-called Pedagogical knowledge. So, are those two types of knowledge enough? Well, the answer is no. Teachers should also be able to identify and use the right technological tools to enhance their teaching skills and improve their students’ learning outcomes. This is what is known as Technological Knowledge. However, it is essential to emphasize that how teachers use the various technological tools makes the difference between simply having fun and combining learning in a fun way.

Always remember that technology is the means to get where we need to be. It is not the destination.

But in any case, teachers must adapt to today’s requirements. Contemporary teaching requires a wide range of knowledge as described through the TPACK model.

I bet dinosaurs were adorable back in the day, but they all vanquished because they failed to adapt to the new era. Don’t follow their mistake. Educate yourselves and stand out from the crowd!