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)
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M. (2013). Using technology with classroom instruction that works 2nd 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
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