Have you ever tried to do a task but realized that you were missing a key tool? What did you do? For me, I choose to figure it out improvise. Recently, I was challenged to practice the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge style of teaching and learning. Basically, TPACK is using a tool in a new way to teach something new.
My recent challenge was to cut cheese into serving-sized pieces using three randomly chosen items from my kitchen. The video below shows the process and my thoughts along the way. This project isn’t difficult for me because it’s the way I think, I’m always thinking outside the box to solve problems, it’s natural for me.
When I’m teaching, I’m always looking at the tools I have to see how I can introduce an idea in a new way. It makes teaching fun for me, the challenge. My students enjoy it to, they like to see how I re-purpose tools to give it new meaning. The other teachers I work with appreciate it as well. I can often help them solve a problem using just the tools and resources they already have. It’s a great feeling to be able to solve a problem like MacGyver.
One of my favorite lessons to do with my students to introduce outside-the-box thinking and the idea of brainstorming is to show them an empty gift card and a dead cell phone and ask them for new uses for these. The only guideline I give them is that they can’t say no to a use. It’s great what some classes come up with when they get going.
TPACK is similar in it’s belief of using a tool in a new way. Finding a connection to something new. Using something you saw that taught science, for instance, and use it to teach English. Being open with your mind seems to be a necessity for TPACK and any re-purposing activtivity. Always be open minded and you will be able to solve any problem, just like MacGyver.
Educational Technology 
I really liked the connection you made between this cooking video and your own personal teaching. In your write up you discussed how you look at your tools to see how you can teaching something in a new, exciting way – just like how you flipped the spoon around to use the handle to cut the cheese. The whole time I completed this activity, I kept thinking about it from the students’ perspective, so I enjoyed reading your blog about viewing it from the teacher’s perspective.
I loved your “outside of the box” activity you do with your students – I definitely think I will use that in my classroom this year!
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