Technology Integration in K–12 Geography Education Using TPACK as a Conceptual Model

Abstract

There is a need for quality professional development programs and instructional models addressing the needs and challenges of K–12 technology integration in the geography classroom. This study used a mixed-methods design employing surveys and observations to evaluate teacher experiences within a professional development program focused on developing in-service geography teachers’ technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK) through content-specific learning tools and resources. Results indicate that instructional scaffolding plays an important role in improving teachers’ ability to integrate technology in pedagogically meaningful ways geared toward enhancing students’ geographic inquiry skills.

Keywords:

• professional development
• teacher education
• technology-enhanced learning (TEL)
• TPACK
• instructional design

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Aaron Doering

Aaron Doering is the co-director of the Learning Technologies Media Lab and an associate professor of learning technologies in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

Suzan Koseoglu

Suzan Koseoglu is a Ph.D. candidate in learning technologies in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

Cassie Scharber

Cassie Scharber is the co-director of the Learning Technologies Media Lab and an assistant professor of learning technologies in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

Jeni Henrickson

Jeni Henrickson is a Ph.D. candidate in learning technologies in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the media development specialist for the Learning Technologies Media Lab at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.

David Lanegran

David Lanegran is a professor in the Department of Geography at Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA. He is the former president of the National Council for Geographic Education and serves as the coordinator for the Minnesota Alliance for Geographic Education.