Teaching to the Technological Demands of the 21st Century Classroom

Indianapolis, IN

Learners of the 21st century are met with the need to collaborate, problem solve, critically think, and synthesize various sources of information. Simultaneously, teachers and learners are expected to utilize rapidly evolving digital technologies as tools to make teaching and learning more effective. As digital technologies become increasingly prominent in K-12 classrooms, the question becomes: in what ways are preservice teachers learning to teach to the technological demands of the 21st century classroom? Dr. Punya Mishra and Dr. Matthew J Koehler of Michigan State University propose the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework as a means for effective technology integration in the classroom. This framework serves as the lens for this discussion about the ways an undergraduate teacher education program can best prepare its preservice teachers to thoughtfully incorporate technology into the classroom.