‘The Total PACKage’

Technology in education

Technology’s place in education is discussed by delegates of the 2012 Victorian Information Technology Teachers Association (VITTA) Conference in a podcast by Anthony Funnell and by Punya Mishra in his 2012 keynote speech at the 21st Century learning conference. Collectively, intellectual insights are given with consideration for both the potential and limitations of technology in the classroom.

Punya Mishra questions techno-centrism through three key arguments that underpin his TPACK (technological pedagogical and content knowledge) framework, whereby technology, pedagogy and content must not be viewed in isolation. This framework is also known as the ‘Total PACKage’ with a focus on an integration of all aspects.

Stakeholders interviewed by Funnell coincide with the integration of all three aspects. Greg Whitby, executive director of Catholic Schools in Greater Western Sydney, advocates that a sole focus on technology ignores the nature of quality of learning and teaching. Furthermore, Game designer Shourov Bhattacharya of Pongo Labs also maintains that technology has its place and balance must be maintained.

One of the key messages presented by Mishra is the idea of redefining the purpose of technologies, using them in ways beyond their intended purpose. ‘Re-purposing’ technology resonates with the view of technology presented by Philip Callil, president of the VITTA and conference director, in the podcast. He underpins the importance of learning how to use devices in student centered ways that promote contemporary learning. I think that this can be achieved through rethinking technology which would demonstrate the integration of the Venn Diagram components.

The technologies discussed in the podcast include the potential for gaming as an educative tool in classrooms. Paul Callaghan, director of Free play Independent Games Festival in Melbourne, is heavily involved in trialing games-based learning initiatives in the classroom. He promotes teaching games literacy and promoting an appreciation in similar ways to that that of narratives or film.

“Education…it should encourage spaces where children can uncover those things that they care about and then pursue those goals rather than turning things that are less palatable into a sugar-coated pill.”

Paul Callaghan, 2012

As an English major, I find viewing video games as artifacts incredibly interesting and agree with Callaghan that not everything needs to or should be turned into a game, emphasising the balance that needs to be maintained. Moreover, Callaghan promotes that education through gaming and technologies should be more about encouraging students to pursue a multitude of possibilities. Coinciding with this point is one made by Mishra which is to encourage students to explore, create and share in authentic ways.

The views and key messages discussed by the podcast and keynote speech were incredibly insightful and relevant. The blog has only ‘scratched the surface’ of the ideas presented.

If you would like to access the podcast or keynote speech, you can find them here:

Below is the link to the Podcast ‘Future Tense’ with Anthony Funnell, presenting views from a variety of delegates of the 2012 Victorian Information Technology Teachers Association (VITTA) Conference.

https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/futuretense/2012-08-19/4197238