TPACK Lesson Plans

1. TPACK Language Arts Lesson Plan
2. TPACK Math Lesson Plan
3. TPACK Science Lesson Plan

Video Response

From these videos about using technology with young children, I learned that it is so important to implement a variety of technological activities and materials into the curriculum in order to make learning more engaging for the learner. Although they were young and may have needed some assistance, for the most part the children were fully capable and engaged in using the technology to make discoveries, convey information, and communicate with other children across the country about a particular subject. By exposing the students to a range of different technology tools, the students were able to inquire and learn using many different and effective methods. The videos also showed that technology can be implemented into any subject—from math to science to literature and so forth. Tools as simple as cameras and other more complex tools such as PowerPoint presentations can greatly contribute to making a lesson effective for the children. The teacher should not only use the technology in presenting the content, but the students should also be given opportunities to get involved in handling and using the technology because of its importance in their lives. Technology of all types can be so effective in the classroom and should be used often to provide all students with an optimal learning experience.

Classroom Technology Observations

The teacher I am working with during the practicum seems to have a good amount of technology available to her. Within the classroom are five student PC computers which each contain Microsoft Office, Internet access, and a few science, literacy, and math games. A television and DVD player are also kept within the classroom. Each teacher in the school has their own microphone which they wear around their neck while teaching. A student microphone is also passed around often to allow students to share their ideas into the microphone. These microphones, when used often, have been very effective tools for improving student learning. The teacher also has a cd player and a personal digital camera and video camera for use in the classroom. Outside of the classroom, there are two school computer labs which each contain about 30 PC computers. In one of these labs there are special headphones and English language games to help the ESL students improve their abilities to speak and understand English. In addition to these computer labs, a cart containing ten mini laptops can be checked out for classroom use. *Along with the classroom technology inventory, I have completed both the midcourse evaluation and consent form.