Integrating Purple Mash with the TPACK Framework

Introduction to the TPACK Framework

The TPACK framework is a way in which teachers combine three different types of knowledge to successfully and seamlessly integrate technology within their everyday teaching.

The three TPACK essential domains are:

Content Knowledge

(CK)

This refers to the teacher's knowledge and understanding of the topic that they are teaching, and the progression of skills from previous year groups, as well as how this will link to other subject areas.

At the beginning of the planning process, a teacher would use the primary curriculum learning areas to understand what needs to be taught, and break this down into daily or weekly lessons with individual lesson objectives that allow students to achieve the main objective.

Pedagogical Knowledge (PK)

This refers to the teacher's understanding of teaching methods and strategies to utilise in order to best teach the subject matter to ensure that students retain the information.

This would include an understanding of the individual students within a class and how they best learn.

Technological Knowledge (TK)

This refers to a teacher's knowledge of technology and digital tools that they have access to within their classroom, and the effect that these will have on their lesson.

When these domains intersect, they form the core of effective technology integration, allowing educators to create rich, engaging, and effective learning experiences.

What is the TPACK Framework?

TPACK focuses on understanding how technology can enhance pedagogy and deliver content in a way that is accessible and meaningful to students, rather than simply using technology for the sake of it. The aim is to have technology, pedagogy and content all working together, with technology supporting the educational objectives rather than distracting from them.

Example of TPACK in action:

A great example of TPACK in action is teaching history and using an interactive timeline to help students understand the sequence of events and the relationships between those events - technology is not just being used as a tool but as a means to enhance both the content delivery and the teaching strategy.

Integrating Purple Mash with the TPACK Framework

Purple Mash is the perfect platform for effortlessly weaving the TPACK framework into your teaching, as it offers a wide range of digital tools and resources. Here are a few ideas on how to integrate Purple Mash into your teaching practice using TPACK:

1. Content Knowledge (CK): Understanding and Delivering Subject Matter Effectively

Purple Mash includes more on Content Knowledge than you might first realise! Within the Teachers Area, there is the Scheme of Work for DigiTech, along with Spelling and Grammar resources, and all our writing projects have essential information for students on the opening screen. This makes writing for inquiry projects, for example, much easier.

Also within the Teachers Area, you'll find Curriculum Maps, highlighting how Purple Mash can be used for each subject.

For many of the activities on Purple Mash, there are teacher guides and videos and there is also our YouTube channel for more ideas on using Purple Mash for specific topics.

2. Technological Knowledge (TK): Exploring Purple Mash's Features

Purple Mash is packed with tools that can be used across subjects such as coding programs, creative writing tools and educational games. The platform is intuitive and contains teacher guides and step-by-step video instructions, allowing tools to be easily incorporated into lesson plans.

Example:

Teach about data handling and graphing by using 2Calculate, the Purple Mash online spreadsheet tool. By using this tool, students will be able to more easily visualise data and comprehend more complex mathematical concepts.

3. Pedagogical Knowledge (PK): Enhancing Teaching Strategies with Purple Mash

With Purple Mash, teachers can adapt traditional teaching strategies to incorporate digital tools, making lessons more interactive and engaging.

Example:

Gamification is a pedagogical strategy that increases student engagement and motivation. Using the maths games on Purple Mash for fluency practise instead of worksheets allows students to practise their maths skills in a fun, game-like setting.

Find out more

Our team have been busy creating helpful videos to show you how to easily integrate technology in a meaningful way. Find our first three on YouTube:

2Respond and Science Investigations

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