Keynote Speaker
Thinking Creatively: Teachers as Designers of Technology, Pedagogy andContent (TPACK)
Punya Mishra & Matthew J. Koehler
Michigan State University, USA
Keynote:
- MOV (52 MB)
Abstract:
The ability to be creative and flexible is critical in face of a rapidly changing world. Nowhere is this more important than in teaching. Teachers operate in a complex and chaotic ecology where success depends on improvising knowledgeable answers to largely unanticipated problems.
Technology, and its rapid rate of change, further complicates the the pedagogy of teaching subject matter. Teaching with technology has been called a "wicked problem," because they defy standard problem solving approaches. We argue for an approach than honors teacher creativity as an essential guide for navigating these wicked problem spaces. In this presentation we describe the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework as a way of thinking about teacher knowledge, technology integration, and the role of teachers' creativity. TPACK, with its emphasis on the interaction teachers' knowledge of Content, Pedagogy, and Technology, places teachers front and center as designers of curriculum, who flexibly and creatively integrate technology and pedagogical approaches to help their students understand subject matter.
In this interactive presentation we will explore the meaning of creativity, particularly in contexts relevant to teaching and learning. We shall also explore strategies for improving technology integration through nurturing and supporting teacher creativity.
Biographical Information:
Dr. Punya Mishra is associate professor of Educational Technology at Michigan State University. His research has focused on the theoretical, cognitive and social aspects related to the design and use of computer based learning environments. He has worked extensively in the area of technology integration in teacher education which led to the development (in collaboration with Dr. Matthew. J. Koehler) of the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework. He has received over $4 million in grants, has published over 30 articles and has edited two books. Dr. Mishra is an award winning instructor who teaches courses at both the masters and doctoral levels in the areas of educational technology, design, and creativity. He is also an accomplished visual artist and poet. You can find out more about him by going to http://punyamishra.com/
Dr. Matthew J. Koehler is associate professor of Educational Technology at Michigan State University. His research on understanding the affordances and constraints of new technologies; the design of technology-rich, innovative learning environments; and the professional development of teachers. In collaboration with Dr. Punya Mishra, he examines the connection between technology, pedagogy, and content as a question of theory, practice, and methodology, which has led to the development and continued research of the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework. He has received over $7 million in federally-funded grants, and published over 30 journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings. You can read more about Dr. Koehler by visiting http://mkoehler.educ.msu.edu/