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/
