Phase+1

__Megan's Reflection__
I feel that I have a fairly strong grasp of new technology. When presented with new technology, I enjoy setting it up myself and then figuring out how it works without written directions. New websites and software I enjoy "clicking around" and figuring out how it works. If I have the opportunity to "play around" with new sites, I can figure out how they operate and how they work on my own. Luckily, learning new technology comes naturally to me! In the past, I have created crossword puzzles, word searches, PowerPoint presentations, and interactive games for my students in the past. I would like to try and get grant money to purchase more technology tools for my room as well!

My pedagogical knowledge is very strong. I have been teaching for four years, and I gain more knowledge as my experience increases. Every time I work more with my students, parents, colleagues, and administrators, I gain more pedagogical knowledge. I feel that I am a strong teacher, and everything that I learned in college during my undergraduate studies as well as my "real world" experiences have added to my pedagogical knowledge.

My content knowledge for my lesson is very strong. I have been teaching the reading class at my middle school for three years, and I have a deep understanding of how I can help students comprehend and reflect more deeply on information they learn from texts and novels. I love to read, and I try to pass that love on to my students every year.

In the TPACK model, I feel that I need to work on two areas- technological content knowledge, and technological pedagogical knowledge. Once I do this, I feel that

__Kristin's Reflection__
My knowledge of technology is in constant fluctuation between understanding, learning, changing my ideas, and implementation. I feel as if I have a little knowledge of a lot of different technologies, but do not have mastery of any. I would like to become more comfortable with a few more technological applications before I start implementing them into my teaching. For instance, I know that technology could enhance my lessons, but I am afraid that when students are using the computers something will mess up and my time will be wasted. I feel that I need help increasing my knowledge of pedagogy in the area of finding different methods to increase learning for struggling students (differentiated learning). I would like to include more cooperative learning models and hands-on learning into the classroom to foster more interaction and discussions. I feel that technology could help foster this goal. Algebra and Geometry are my strong areas in my content knowledge, my weaknesses are problem solving skills. I like to research the history of certain mathematicians and learn the 'why' process of each lesson to increase my knowledge of the content. Having a deeper understanding of the content of mathematics helps to foster dialogue during the lesson.

My dart in the TPACK Venn diagram would fall in the PCK area closer to the TPACK, but not over the line. I feel that I still need to have a better understanding of how to use the technology and how it would enhance my lessons before implementation.

__Vicki's Reflection__
My knowledge of technology definitely can be improved. I use limited resources in my classroom (research, creating crossword puzzles, math games and ISAT website practice). Already through this course I am seeing the benefits of furthering technology in my lessons especially with Webquest. I feel I need to be more comfortable and confident in handling technology resources first before using them in the classroom. What I can do to help me is searching websites, resources and tools that I can use with my lesson. Of course this takes time and is probably why I am where I am at with technology in lesson planning. What ever I do learn in technology does convince me of the benefit it has with students and their engagement in learning, therefore it does give me the desire to go forward with it.

My knowledge of pedagogy is strong yet I feel it is important for me to always research new stategies of teaching my lessons. I like to always make sure I "grab" my students attention and that what they are learning will "stick" with them when they leave the classroom. I like to incorporate tools that are visual and hands on as much as possible. Also, I am learning differentiation strategies that helps me address the instructional needs of my students.

I have a very strong knowledge of the math content that I teach. When I started teaching I often referred to the teacher's manual writing out lessons and procedures but now feel I can take a math concept and teach it by not relying as much on my notes and procedures like before. My love and enthusiasm of numbers is shown to my students especially when we can take what learn and extend it further into a project or real life situation. I believe my enthusiasm with numbers is important so my students can be engaged in what I teach. Also, I have learned to break down the math concepts I teach in a more effective manner for students who do not understand it the first time.

In the TPACK model I see myself in the pedagogical content and content knowledge section of the venn diagram and a tiny bit in the technological knowledge. To be in all three I need to develop more in the technological content area so my teaching can better serve my students.

__Tricia's Reflection__
My pedagogical knowledge comes from my teacher training courses while I earned my Bachelor's degree, attending workshops and training sessions, but most importantly from my own experience from teaching for 15 years. Throughout the years I have learned how to teach effectively by trying new strategies and discovering the ones that best fit my style and the needs of my students. Along with that, my pedagogical knowledge has increased due to the collaboration amongst my colleagues and myself. We learn and share a great deal with one another. All that I have learned I have applied to my classroom and have found that "hands-on-activities" are the most engaging lessons.

My content knowledge is very strong. This is my tenth year teaching Kindergarten and I have a very good handle on the curriculum. I am aware of my objectives, assessments, and my year long plan and goals. I have developed lessons to correlate with the State Standards, and "tweak" them often to meet the needs of the current students in my classroom. I am always searching for new ways to teach, new strategies and creative ideas so I am delivering the best education to my students.

In the TPACK model, I see myself as a beginner. In the past school year, I have implemented technology more than ever in my classroom, but I find myself daily learning the "pitfalls" and running into trouble and needing guidance. I become easily frustrated with the mechanics of technology, but love seeing my children engage in technology and observing all that they are able to accomplish and learn.

__Where the Team Fits in the TPACK Model__ As a team, we feel we fit in the PCK of the TPACK model. We all are experienced teachers, are knowledgeable of the content area we teach, and are familiar with the advantages implementing technology into our classroom. We are aware of the instructional software available, and how it may be beneficial for our students. We realize the importance of our students learning the three basic software tools: word processing, spreadsheets, and database. Unfortunately, not all members of our team have technology available in their classrooms or if they do, it is on a limited basis. We all hope to continue to implement technology into our classroom at a greater level, and on a continuous basis.