Constructivist/constructionist learning theory gives the learner a more active role in their education. With constructionist learning theory, the student produces an artifact that can then be shared with others (Laureate Education, 2009). This artifact can be any number of things from a graph or project to a drawing or movie. In the end, the student is able to show what they have learned by producing the artifact.
Technology can play an important part in constructivist/constructionist learning theory. In their book, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski talk about several of the ways that technology can be integrated by having students generate and test hypotheses (pgs. 202-216). The first way they recommend is through the use of spreadsheet software. Teachers can set up documents in advance in the form of templates and allow the students to manipulate numbers and get instant results with the ability to graph. Data collection tools such as digital probes, digital microscopes, as well as the internet itself (through collaborative project Web sites such as Global Schoolhouse) provide easy and quick data collection, giving the learners more time to speculate on the results and perform additional collection. Web resources provide gaming software and simulations that give students interaction to make decisions and test hypotheses in a simulated environment that would be nearly impossible perform without the aid of this technology. Some examples the authors refer to are Smog City, NOVA Building Big, PrimaryAccess, Invention Web Resources, and Practicing with the Catapult. All of these Web sites allow the user to play around and manipulate variables in a simulated environment. This gives the student a more concrete way of looking at how their decisions affect the world around them. There are also Web sites dedicated to helping teachers plan project-based learning experiences. Some of these sites include Project-Based Learning: The Online Resource for PBL, Apple Learning Interchange: Online Project-Based Learning, and Edutopia: Project Learning. These sites, and others like them, have databases of projects to help teachers get started and to share ideas with others.
When using technology to facilitate constructionist learning theory in the classroom, I believe we must once again, make sure that we are being relevant to our students lives. Most students have inquisitive minds and like to see how things would change if they were allowed to manipulate the pieces. Technology gives them the chance to do that while designing a finished product, or artifact, that they can be proud of.
Shannon Eno
Resources
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Program seven. Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories. Baltimore: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Shannon,
ReplyDeleteI know that you work in special needs class. I am sure you students require assistance when working on projects or with computers and other technologies. How do you see constructivism playing a role in your classroom?
Hi Jenelle,
ReplyDeleteDue to various physical or cognitive disabilities, my students do require some additional assistance using the technologies. Depending on the student’s ability, I try to ensure that each of my students gets the opportunity to create and present something their own work. For instance, after doing a recent unit on fish, I had one student who used a large trackball to choose and "color" his favorite fish on the computer. Another student was able to search several websites using adapted switches that act as a mouse to choose pictures of his favorite fish and paste them into a PowerPoint document. Then, I can help him type a sentence or two about each of the pictures.
My students love the fact that they are creating something of their choice and get very excited to show it off to their families.
Constructivist activities, just like anything else, can play an important role in my classroom with a little adapting.
Thanks for the question!
Shannon Eno
Shannon,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your methods. My good friend and colleague teaches students similar to yours. She loves hearing about what I am doing in my Walden courses. I am excited to share with her these new ideas for her students!
Jenelle