What I am reminded of is Olofson et al’s article that discussed TPACK in terms of a verb, not a noun. So it would be something that educators actively work with, not a thing (noun) just sitting there. Dr. Mishra’s points also remind me of the TED talk video provided by Dr. Hicks for, I believe it was this week (maybe last week), in which he talked about memes and the ways in which they “amplify information” and are thus a type of digital literacy.
I teach American literature, and when we begin the course, we start with Native American literature, which always brings up the discussion of what is literature, and thus, what is literacy. Many students find aspects of Native American culture—-the oral tradition, the dance, Kachina dolls, various art—as not really literature (or literacy). Yet, each of those items, like Dr. Belshaw’s conception of memes, “amplify information”—they are content/message laden items. It is interesting to consider, and Dr. Mishra is very engaging to listen to.

I feel that TPACK is much more than just a literacy. The pedagogical component is specifically important to TPACK which I don’t see as a component of literacy. How to use and communicate with a media doesn’t imply that a person is capable of using it to teach with. I have meet many super intelligent people who have vast literacy knowledge in many types of media, but couldn’t put together a decent teaching practice to save their life! So, TPACK encompasses literacy but they aren’t equivalent IMO.

The Foundational knowledge in particular core content is just as important in 21st Century literacies as it has been in previous centuries. Its the basis from which most learning is derived. As Mishra confirms, you can be a chip designer without physics and math. However, digital ICT literacy key component to 21st century literacies given all the technology tools available to be learned.

21 century learners to me reference the integration of tools an knowledge within the lives of those living in the 21st century. I think a lot of people assume they are native or experienced with tech, and have the skills and knowledge of tech, but this concept only means they are exposed to it and it is EVERYWHERE. This is why its different than TPACK. With TPACK, there is teaching and learning of tech, how to use tech, and applying tech, not just being around tech.

I like that Dr. Mishra began and ended with this quote about creativity—that is is a way of operating not a talent. The whole concept of creativity has become somewhat of a label—I hear students say quite often that they are not creative because in earlier years, maybe they could not paint a picture or something. Regarding how this fits in with TPACK, I don’t think we can say across the board that TPACK is creativity or not creativity. I will go back to my previous post about the verb/noun distinction. I think if we think about it as a construct, and framework, then it may not be creative, but if users of TPACK actively work (TPACKing), then it certainly has to propensity to be creative.

I think creativity, stems from good TPACK, and good teachers, can promote it. I agree creativity has CHANGED, but it is different. It is hard to be creative, mostly because we have access to so many more inputs that steals creativity, but i think creativity is just different, and having to be creative in a world where everyone is trying to be different, and tell everyone about it, its not declining, its just different.

The entire time that Dr. Mishra was talking about the interconnectedness of disciplines etc., I could not help but think about our cohort and the varied knowledge that each of us brings. Yes, each of us is grounded in a specific discipline, but we have been provided with such a great opportunity to “cross-pollinate” and learn in an “in” disciplined way, as Dr. Mishra pointed out. I can remember a time when I really experienced this. When I was working on my M.A. in English, I had two courses that were very different: one was Medieval Literature, and the other was Autobiography. I had sort of an epiphany when I was enrolled in those classes that became the idea for my master’s thesis. That was a cool experience in which I remember realizing the interconnectedness of things.

I think technology, education, and one’s content are all trans-dicsiplinary. To be able to incorporate all of those into a class brings knowledge from many areas and adds to the educational experience.

I finally agree here. Having to use tech at all, requires this trans disciplinary approach and skills. TPACK is the coordination and control of these disciplines so students can apply and do the same. I think it may be different, but its close to the same!