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Harris, J. & Hofer, M. (2009). Instructional planning activity types as vehicles for curriculum-based TPACK development. Research Highlights in Technology and Teacher Education, 99-108.

Technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) is the knowledge that helps a teacher use technology effectively in the classroom. The authors point out that the teacher must focus on the goal of the lesson instead of the technology being used in the lesson.

The diagram in the article showing parts of TPACK and how they overlap points out that teachers must keep the “what” and the “how” as their main focus. Pedagogical knowledge is how teachers teach a specific content area. Technological content knowledge is how teachers select and use technology in their classroom while technological pedagogical knowledge is used when determining the best way to use a particular technology in a classroom. The authors focus on social studies for the article. The list of possible technology resources was wide-ranging. Using TPACK as a focus, teachers can reach students with more technologically advanced resources.

Content area and technology used Content Area: Social Studies Technology Used: Wide-range of resources: e-books, PowerPoint’ Podcasting, Excel, Virtual Field Trips, Word, and Blogs

Specific example of unit used in article Content Area: History - Civil War Technology Used: Students researched using print and websites. Images were gathered from scanning and online resources. While the writing process was by hand, the production involved going from a paper story board to an actual film.