Defining Authentic Technology-based Teaching and Learning for Vocational Education: A Conceptual Examination

Abstract

Objectives: This conceptual paper aims to define Authentic Technology-based Teaching and Learning (ATbTL) and outline the limits of applying the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework for VET music education.

Method: This study adopts Conceptual analysis supported by literature synthesis to examine how existing digital competence frameworks, particularly Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK), address technology integration in Vocational Education and Training (VET). Bearings on authentic teaching, VET pedagogy, and digital competence were reviewed to set the background for introducing Authentic Technology-based Teaching and Learning (ATbTL).

Findings: The conceptual analysis shows that the most widely applied digital competence frameworks the particularly Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) are insufficient for representing the industry oriented and practice based characteristic nature of Vocational Education and Training (VET), especially in technology-intensive subjects such as Music Editing and Production (MEP).  The teaching previous research mainly emphasized teachers' technological knowledge but could not reach concepts of the various possibilities of digital technologies to facilitate authentic professional practice in vocational learning. The paper addressed this gap by conceptualizing Authentic Technology-based Teaching and Learning (ATbTL) as teaching and learning with technological fidelity, contextual authenticity, and professional process embedding. That reflects how industry standard technologies, authentic production tasks, and workflow embedded learning activities can essentially facilitate teacher competence development and further align music education within VET with the industry.

Novelty:  This was the first attempt to propose an ATbTL conceptual framework that extends TPACK to encompass authentic professional practice with Technology-based Teaching and Learning in VET music education.