EDLD 5364 What I Learned in Week One

This week I learned about different theories on education.  I found the constructivist theory to be the most interesting and one that I will immediately apply in my classroom.  Constructivism in a classroom setting is when students come with a set of knowledge which will impact what and how they learn the new information presented to them (Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, 1999). According to Norton & Wilburg (1998), “The teacher no longer has to be in charge every minute, but can give some of the control over to the students and the technology.  If approached in a constructivist manner, the teacher’s job becomes one of facilitator or architect.” (as stated in Sprague & Dede, 1999)  I truly believe that this manner of teaching will prepare our students for the future.  The days of memorizing facts for the purpose of direct knowledge tests is no longer necessary.  In this day and age students have facts, figures, and statistics at the touch of a button.  We need to teach them to use the facts to create and collaborate with groups of people.  Project based learning is an initiative that our district has implemented in order to prepare our students for the future, and I believe integrating technology into PBLs will have an even greater impact.  

One concern I have regarding the constructivist classroom was stated by Sprague and Dede (1999), “we are taught to believe that learning takes place in and orderly setting”. (p. 8) I have a new principal and I am not sure if he believes in a learner-centered environment.  This year I have a digital classroom with 1:1 iPads.  According to the district, I need to have project based, technology rich lessons.  I hope my principal recognizes enthusiasm for learning and takes the time to observe a constructivist classroom in action.

The next theory that we were introduced to was connectivism.  Siemens states in his video on connectivism “learning isn’t something that happens in someone’s head”. External connections that students make and assimilate into their ideas have an impact on their learning. 

Both theories include technology as an important learning tool.  However, teachers today need to help students learn to use technology appropriately.  According to Bransford, Brown, & Cocking (2009) “Inappropriate uses of technology can hinder learning— for example, if students spend most of their time picking fonts and colors for multimedia reports instead of planning, writing, and revising their ideas.”  Lessons need to be well planned and thought out so students can understand the importance of the information. “Our students must learn not only how to use current technologies, but also how to evaluate which ones work best for particular tasks or projects.” (Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2013)  Technology can be a great motivator for today’s students and we need to allow them to work with these various types of technologies in order to prepare them for the future.  I think this was stated eloquently by Solomon & Schrum (2007), “The tools students use may change where and how they get the information, but only educators can make sure that students learn how to process and use that information wisely.” (p. 42)

Bransford, J. D., Brown, A. L., & Cocking, R. R. (2000). How people learn: Brain, mind, experience, and school (Expanded edition). Ch. 9, pp. 194-218. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. Retrieved from http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=9853&page=206
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M. (2013). Using technology with classroom instruction that works 2^nd Edition. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Introduction, 1 – 14.
Siemens, G.. (nd). The Changing Nature of Knowledge  [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMcTHndpzYg
Solomon, G., & Schrum, L.(2007). Web 2.0: New tools, New schools. Eugene, OR: International Society for Technology in Education, 7 – 44
Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, (1999). Learning as a personal event: A brief introduction to constructivism. Retrieved on October 4, 2009 from http://www.sedl.org/pubs/tec26/intro2c.html

Sprague, D. & Dede, C. (1999). If I teach this way, Am I doing my job: Constructivism in the classroom. Leading and Learning, 27(1). Retrieved from the International Society for Technology in Education at http://imet.csus.edu/imet9/280/docs/dede_constructivisim.pdf