Week 8- Content Collaboration and TPAK

Content collaboration is a great tool to use in the classroom.  As a teacher, I think that using Google Drive is a great way to complete a group project.  This is because the work created on Google Drive is accessible on any device that is Wifi enabled.  I have found myself working on projects from the cell phone, laptop, and iPad in different situations. There are also many other resources one can use to collaborate including blogs and wikis.  However, in a high school situation, I think that teachers need to guide the students.  It may help if each student is assigned a roll.  Eventually with practice, the students may be able to assign their own rolls and work with less guidance from the teacher. 

I also think that the incorporation of technology in a lesson can be very beneficial.  However when doing this, teachers should keep TPAK in mind.  TPACK stands for Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge.  A teacher can incorporate technology into the classroom everyday, but is the technology appropriate for the lesson?  These are things that educators need to think about when using technology.  How will the technology enhance the content being taught and what is the reasoning for using the technology?  In the future I plan on using TPAK strategies to enhance my teaching.  It is important that students also learn effective ways to use technology in a society that is dependent upon it. With effective technological skills, students will be better prepared for the working world