Political Science Instructional Technology Best Practices in 21st Century Classrooms/Lecture Halls: Blending Theoretical Frameworks of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge with Applied Interactivity

Abstract

Political Science Deans, Chairs, Professors and Instructors have a unique challenge in applying 21st Century instructional design, methodology and management for the effective use of technology in the classroom and/or lecture hall. By combining theoretical approaches to learning content knowledge of Political Science, pedagogy, androgogy, and technological integration (Shulman, 1986; Mishra, Punya, 2009), professorial instruction may impact learner cognitive retention and subsequent achievement. The basis of this framework is the understanding that instruction in 21st century colleges and universities requires more technological content knowledge while blending pedagogical content approaches. This research will explain highly complex activities and methodologies that draws on many kinds of knowledge based instruction and learning. New and emerging technologies such as computers, laptops, iPads, apps, software applications, interactive whiteboards and more have changed the landscape of the classroom/lecture hall. Subsequently, the research will provide best practices adjoining the conceptual application of research based instructional redelivery using the Interactive Whiteboard, Mind Tools, and Learning Management Systems. Technology serves as a purposeful supplement to instruction and therefore the need for continued professional development in colleges and universities is essential to sustaining relevant interactivity such as Interface Interactions, Cognitive Interactions and Socio-cognitive Interactions. In summary, this research will analyze and explain the blended theories behind the frameworks; provide examples of instructional approaches based upon Political Science and Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge frameworks, and illustrate the methodological best practices applied by research based application.