Tech better, teach better: a TPACK model unit designed to implement communication competency inside Chinese language classes offered through American universities

Technology has always been at the forefront of human education. From the days of carving figures on rock walls to today, when most students are equipped with several portable technological devices at any given time, technology continues to push educational capabilities to new levels (Bush & Terry, 1997). The presented project is a product of embracing the advantages that technology has provided for language education in the age of web 2.0. The TPACK model unit is an innovative teaching approach that proposes to re-allocate classroom teaching between technology and human instructor. The main idea is to deliver direct instruction via technological methods such as video lessons, and allows instructors to utilize classroom time solely for interactive activities. Also, it is a practice of combining the technological knowledge with the knowledge of pedagogy and content to achieve educational efficacy. The preparatory unit for Chinese language learners is a sample to demonstrate the idea of effective technology integration within language education.