(1) Describe the Resource / Experience:
During my resource search this week, I also discovered a Discovery Education video clip entitled “Using a Constructivist Approach to Teaching” on another students’ Resource Log Blog. This clip features a high school teacher who explains how she uses a constructivist approach in her own personal classroom and how it helps her students succeed in her room.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom /Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
As for recommendations for myself and other classroom teachers interested in constructivism, I would suggest that we find other resources that provide true testimonies of constructivist teachers. I am making this recommendation because hearing another living, breathing teacher discuss how she uses a constructivist approach in her classroom and the benefits of its application made me feel less afraid of trying new things and more constructivist-oriented approaches in my own personal classroom. This video clip gave me the notion that “if she can do it, then so can I.” It made the whole process of using a constructivist approach seem less arduous and overwhelming.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly link to the following resource from my Resource Log:
Using a constructivist approach to teaching. ASCD (2001). Retrieved January 31, 2009, from Discovery Education: http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/
The ideas expressed in this video clip are also very closely aligned with the research I conducted for my Wiki chapter about the controversies associated with constructivism (see Sandbox 1.4). During my research I came across a website entitled “Constructivism as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning” (see citation below) and this website argued that contrary to popular belief, constructivism does not mean that teachers have to reinvent the wheel and re-write all of their lessons in order to use a more constructivist-oriented approach to instruction. The information from this website gave me a feeling similar to the one I got from the video clip and it made me feel that using more constructivist-oriented approaches is a “do-able” task.
Educational Broadcasting Corporation. (2004). Constructivism as a paradigm for teaching and learning. Retrieved January 19, 2009, from http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/constructivism/index.html
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Reflection #3
(1) Describe the Resource / Experience:
During my resource search this week, I discovered an article posted on someone else’s Resource Log Blog that I thought was very interesting. It was an article by David Perkins entitled “The Many Faces of Constructivism”. I found this article to be very insightful and it allowed me to look at constructivism in a different way. In this article, the author discusses the variety of approaches associated with constructivism. It talks about how instruction can be included under the broad umbrella of “constructivism” but look different with different teachers and in different contexts.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom /Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
At the start of this class and before reading this article, I found myself examining my classroom instructional practices for evidence of constructivism. At first, I was questioning whether or not my practices that I considered to be constructivism were truly aligned with the information that I had read about constructivism. However, since reading this article, I have learned that constructivism can look different in different contexts with different teachers but still be considered effective constructivist instruction. As for classroom application, I have learned that ALL constructivism does not look the same, and I will be sure to remember this while evaluating the constructivist practices within my own personal classroom.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly link to the following resource from my Resource Log:
Perkins, D. (1999, November). The many faces of constructivism. Educational Leadership, 57(3), 6. Retrieved January 31, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.
The ideas expressed in this article are somewhat aligned with the research I did for my Wiki chapter about the controversies associated with constructivism (see Sandbox 1.4). During my research, I discovered that some of the major controversies associated with constructivism revolve around what constructivism should look like in a classroom. Through my research I discovered that many people often erroneously believe that constructivism means loud, noisy, uncontrolled chaos, but that this assumption is wrong because constructivist classrooms are not necessarily like this.
During my resource search this week, I discovered an article posted on someone else’s Resource Log Blog that I thought was very interesting. It was an article by David Perkins entitled “The Many Faces of Constructivism”. I found this article to be very insightful and it allowed me to look at constructivism in a different way. In this article, the author discusses the variety of approaches associated with constructivism. It talks about how instruction can be included under the broad umbrella of “constructivism” but look different with different teachers and in different contexts.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom /Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
At the start of this class and before reading this article, I found myself examining my classroom instructional practices for evidence of constructivism. At first, I was questioning whether or not my practices that I considered to be constructivism were truly aligned with the information that I had read about constructivism. However, since reading this article, I have learned that constructivism can look different in different contexts with different teachers but still be considered effective constructivist instruction. As for classroom application, I have learned that ALL constructivism does not look the same, and I will be sure to remember this while evaluating the constructivist practices within my own personal classroom.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly link to the following resource from my Resource Log:
Perkins, D. (1999, November). The many faces of constructivism. Educational Leadership, 57(3), 6. Retrieved January 31, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.
The ideas expressed in this article are somewhat aligned with the research I did for my Wiki chapter about the controversies associated with constructivism (see Sandbox 1.4). During my research, I discovered that some of the major controversies associated with constructivism revolve around what constructivism should look like in a classroom. Through my research I discovered that many people often erroneously believe that constructivism means loud, noisy, uncontrolled chaos, but that this assumption is wrong because constructivist classrooms are not necessarily like this.
Resource Log #3 (Sources #13-18)
#13 “Constructing Knowledge with Technology” – Page 8 of this article discusses some of the controversies associated with Constructivism.
Dimock, K., Boethel, M., & Southwest Educational Development Lab., A. (1999, January 1). Constructing knowledge with technology. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED431398) Retrieved January 25, 2009, from ERIC database.
#14 “Constructivism and Technology: Instructional Designs for Successful Education Reform” –
This article discusses integrating constructivism and technology to improve student achievement and to more thoroughly meet National Education Goals.
Lunenburg, F. (1998, January 1). Constructivism and technology: Instructional designs for successful education reform. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 25(2), 75-81. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. EJ577745) Retrieved January 29, 2009, from ERIC database.
#15 “How Technology Aids Constructivism in the Social Studies Classroom” – This article discusses the benefits of infusing technology into constructivist classrooms, but it also offers a variety of techniques for using technology in these classrooms. These techniques/ideas for using technology in the constructivist classroom include using multimedia/hypermedia, telecommunications, databases, internet projects, and much more.
Rice, M., & Wilson, E. (1999, January 1). How technology aids constructivism in the social studies classroom. Social Studies, 90(1), 28-33. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. EJ588699) Retrieved January 29, 2009, from ERIC database.
#16 “Kids, Computers, and Constructivism” – This article discusses the link between constructivism and young children’s computer use. The research presented in this article discusses many ways young children use computers in the classroom, but it contends that word processing programs are the most compatible with constructivism because it allows young children to construct and express their own thoughts, ideas, and experiences.
Brown, D. (1996, January 1). Kids, computers, and constructivism. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 23(3), 189-95. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. EJ532859) Retrieved January 29, 2009, from ERIC database.
#17 “The Many Faces of Constructivism” – This article discusses the variety of approaches associated with constructivism. It talks about how constructivism can be constructivism but look different with different teachers and in different contexts. I thought this was a very interesting perspective of constructivism and it really made me think about the varying ways I use constructivism in my current classroom.
Perkins, D. (1999, November). The many faces of constructivism. Educational Leadership, 57(3), 6. Retrieved January 31, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.
#18 “Using a Constructivist Approach to Teaching” – This Discovery Education video clip features a high school teacher who explains how she uses a constructivist approach in her own personal classroom and how it helps her students succeed in her room.
Using a constructivist approach to teaching. ASCD (2001). Retrieved January 31, 2009, fromDiscovery Education: http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/
Dimock, K., Boethel, M., & Southwest Educational Development Lab., A. (1999, January 1). Constructing knowledge with technology. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. ED431398) Retrieved January 25, 2009, from ERIC database.
#14 “Constructivism and Technology: Instructional Designs for Successful Education Reform” –
This article discusses integrating constructivism and technology to improve student achievement and to more thoroughly meet National Education Goals.
Lunenburg, F. (1998, January 1). Constructivism and technology: Instructional designs for successful education reform. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 25(2), 75-81. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. EJ577745) Retrieved January 29, 2009, from ERIC database.
#15 “How Technology Aids Constructivism in the Social Studies Classroom” – This article discusses the benefits of infusing technology into constructivist classrooms, but it also offers a variety of techniques for using technology in these classrooms. These techniques/ideas for using technology in the constructivist classroom include using multimedia/hypermedia, telecommunications, databases, internet projects, and much more.
Rice, M., & Wilson, E. (1999, January 1). How technology aids constructivism in the social studies classroom. Social Studies, 90(1), 28-33. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. EJ588699) Retrieved January 29, 2009, from ERIC database.
#16 “Kids, Computers, and Constructivism” – This article discusses the link between constructivism and young children’s computer use. The research presented in this article discusses many ways young children use computers in the classroom, but it contends that word processing programs are the most compatible with constructivism because it allows young children to construct and express their own thoughts, ideas, and experiences.
Brown, D. (1996, January 1). Kids, computers, and constructivism. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 23(3), 189-95. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. EJ532859) Retrieved January 29, 2009, from ERIC database.
#17 “The Many Faces of Constructivism” – This article discusses the variety of approaches associated with constructivism. It talks about how constructivism can be constructivism but look different with different teachers and in different contexts. I thought this was a very interesting perspective of constructivism and it really made me think about the varying ways I use constructivism in my current classroom.
Perkins, D. (1999, November). The many faces of constructivism. Educational Leadership, 57(3), 6. Retrieved January 31, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.
#18 “Using a Constructivist Approach to Teaching” – This Discovery Education video clip features a high school teacher who explains how she uses a constructivist approach in her own personal classroom and how it helps her students succeed in her room.
Using a constructivist approach to teaching. ASCD (2001). Retrieved January 31, 2009, fromDiscovery Education: http://streaming.discoveryeducation.com/
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Resource Log #2 (Sources #7-12)
#7 "TourMaker Software" Website - This website provides information about the TourMaker software. This software allows students to create virtual field trips to any place of their choice. This site also has a variety of free ready-made virtual field trips that can be accessed and used in any classroom.
Tramline. (2007). TourMaker Software. Retrieved January 20, 2009, from http://www.field-guides.com/tm/index.htm
#8 "WebQuest.Org" Website - This website provides background information about WebQuests and explains the steps involved in creating effective WebQuests. This site also offers a searchable database of free WebQuests that can be downloaded and used in any classroom.
San Diego State University. (2007). WebQuest.Org. Retrieved January 20, 2009, from http://www.field-guides.com/tm/index.htm
#9 "Constructivist Theory (J. Bruner)" Website - This is a website that discusses the history of Constructivist Theory and the principles its based on. I think this site provided some good background information about the theory and its creator.
Kearsley, G. (2009). Constructivist theory (J. Bruner). Theory Into Practice. Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org/bruner.html
#10 "On the Road to Student-Centered Learning" - This newsletter contains articles that provide advice to teachers about creating a constructivist, student-centered classroom.
Burniske, J., Burns, M., & Dimock, V. (1998). On the road to student-centered learning. TAP into Learning. Retrieved from http://www.sedl.org/pubs/tapinto/v1n2.pdf
#11 "A Good Teaching Technique: WebQuests" - This article discusses the strengths and weaknesses of using WebQuests in the classroom.
Halat, E. (2008, January 1). A good teaching technique: WebQuests. Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 81(3), 109-112. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. EJ785442) Retrieved January 24, 2009, from ERIC database.
#12 "Beyond Blackboard and into Virtual Communities" - This article discusses distance and online learning. It discusses the building and maintaining of online instruction from an instructor's point-of-view.
Cleaver, S. (2008, October 16). Beyond blackboard and into virtual communities. Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, 25(18), . (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. EJ818962) Retrieved January 24, 2009, from ERIC database.
Tramline. (2007). TourMaker Software. Retrieved January 20, 2009, from http://www.field-guides.com/tm/index.htm
#8 "WebQuest.Org" Website - This website provides background information about WebQuests and explains the steps involved in creating effective WebQuests. This site also offers a searchable database of free WebQuests that can be downloaded and used in any classroom.
San Diego State University. (2007). WebQuest.Org. Retrieved January 20, 2009, from http://www.field-guides.com/tm/index.htm
#9 "Constructivist Theory (J. Bruner)" Website - This is a website that discusses the history of Constructivist Theory and the principles its based on. I think this site provided some good background information about the theory and its creator.
Kearsley, G. (2009). Constructivist theory (J. Bruner). Theory Into Practice. Retrieved from http://tip.psychology.org/bruner.html
#10 "On the Road to Student-Centered Learning" - This newsletter contains articles that provide advice to teachers about creating a constructivist, student-centered classroom.
Burniske, J., Burns, M., & Dimock, V. (1998). On the road to student-centered learning. TAP into Learning. Retrieved from http://www.sedl.org/pubs/tapinto/v1n2.pdf
#11 "A Good Teaching Technique: WebQuests" - This article discusses the strengths and weaknesses of using WebQuests in the classroom.
Halat, E. (2008, January 1). A good teaching technique: WebQuests. Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 81(3), 109-112. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. EJ785442) Retrieved January 24, 2009, from ERIC database.
#12 "Beyond Blackboard and into Virtual Communities" - This article discusses distance and online learning. It discusses the building and maintaining of online instruction from an instructor's point-of-view.
Cleaver, S. (2008, October 16). Beyond blackboard and into virtual communities. Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, 25(18), . (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No. EJ818962) Retrieved January 24, 2009, from ERIC database.
Resource Log #1 (Sources #1-6)
#1 Instructional Design by Patricia L. Smith & Tillman J. Ragan - Chapter #2 of this book entitled "Foundations of Instructional Design" contains an easy to understand definition of constructivism and its major principles.
Smith, P.L., & Raga, T.J. (2005). Instructional design (3rd ed.). Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
#2 "Blogs, Threaded Discussions Accentuate Constructivist Teaching" - This article discusses using blogs to enhance/improve constructivist teaching and learning.
Meyer, J.D. (2004, December). Blogs, threaded discussions accentuate constructivist teaching. Online Classroom. Retrieved from https://www.vcu.edu/cte/resources/newsletters_archive/OC0412.PDF
#3 "Be Constructive: Blogs, Podcasts, and Wikis as Constructivist Learning Tools" - This article discusses how blogs, podcasts, and Wikis can be and are being used in constructivist classrooms.
Seitzinger, J. (2006, July 10). Be constructive: Blogs, podcasts, and wikis as constructivist learning tools. Learning Solutions e-Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.careersmarts.com/21/blogs%20wikis%20podcasts%20learning%20tools.pdf
#4 "Are You a Techno-Constructivist?" - This article discusses how to get started with blending constructivism and technology in today's classroom.
McKenzie, W. (2000). Are you a techno-constructivist?. Education World. Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech005.shtml
#5 "Getting Started with Constructivism and Technology" - The articles in this newsletter also discuss how to get started with blending constructivism and technology in today's classroom.
Burns, M., Heath, M., & Dimock, V. (1998). Getting started with constructivism and technology. TAP into Learning. Retrieved from http://www.sedl.org/pubs/tapinto/v1n1.pdf
#6 "Constructivism and the Five E's" - This website presents a constructivist instructional model based on the 5 E's of the Learning Cycle.
Miami Museum of Science. (2001). Constructivism and the five E’s. Retrieved January 19, 2009, from http://www.miamisci.org/ph/lpintro5e.html
Smith, P.L., & Raga, T.J. (2005). Instructional design (3rd ed.). Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
#2 "Blogs, Threaded Discussions Accentuate Constructivist Teaching" - This article discusses using blogs to enhance/improve constructivist teaching and learning.
Meyer, J.D. (2004, December). Blogs, threaded discussions accentuate constructivist teaching. Online Classroom. Retrieved from https://www.vcu.edu/cte/resources/newsletters_archive/OC0412.PDF
#3 "Be Constructive: Blogs, Podcasts, and Wikis as Constructivist Learning Tools" - This article discusses how blogs, podcasts, and Wikis can be and are being used in constructivist classrooms.
Seitzinger, J. (2006, July 10). Be constructive: Blogs, podcasts, and wikis as constructivist learning tools. Learning Solutions e-Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.careersmarts.com/21/blogs%20wikis%20podcasts%20learning%20tools.pdf
#4 "Are You a Techno-Constructivist?" - This article discusses how to get started with blending constructivism and technology in today's classroom.
McKenzie, W. (2000). Are you a techno-constructivist?. Education World. Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech005.shtml
#5 "Getting Started with Constructivism and Technology" - The articles in this newsletter also discuss how to get started with blending constructivism and technology in today's classroom.
Burns, M., Heath, M., & Dimock, V. (1998). Getting started with constructivism and technology. TAP into Learning. Retrieved from http://www.sedl.org/pubs/tapinto/v1n1.pdf
#6 "Constructivism and the Five E's" - This website presents a constructivist instructional model based on the 5 E's of the Learning Cycle.
Miami Museum of Science. (2001). Constructivism and the five E’s. Retrieved January 19, 2009, from http://www.miamisci.org/ph/lpintro5e.html
Reflection #2
(1) Describe the Experience:
This week, I have also been recording my reflections in blog postings as I interacted and worked with the resources in my “Resource Log” (also found on my blog). This has been a very interesting experience for me because I have never blogged before. Throughout other classes in my educational background, I have been required to record my learning insights/reflections in a physical journal, but I have never posted my ideas and reflections on the Internet for all to see. I must admit that I was a bit unnerved (just like I was about working in the WikiText Sandbox – See “Reflection Journal #1” post) about posting my ideas at first, but I have quickly found that blogging is kind of exciting. I have found that, so far anyway, I like posting my ideas for all to read—it’s kind of fun. It seems like the more I type, the better and more coherent my ideas flow.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom /Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
As for classroom application, in today’s technology-driven society, where social-networking sites like MySpace and FaceBook are a smash hit with “techies” of all ages, I think young children would be more motivated to write or reflect about their learning if they were able to do so using blogs. I remember being required to write in a journal when I was in the 8th grade, and I thought it was such a boring and tedious task. I absolutely dreaded writing in my journal, and I would always wait until the journal was due for grading to finish my entries.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly link to the following resource from my Resource Log:
Meyer, J.D. (2004, December). Blogs, threaded discussions accentuate constructivist teaching. Online Classroom. Retrieved from https://www.vcu.edu/cte/resources/newsletters_archive/OC0412.PDF
This Online Classroom article, entitled “Blogs, Threaded Discussions Accentuate Constructivist Teaching”, discusses how blogs enhance/improve constructivist learning and teaching.
This week, I have also been recording my reflections in blog postings as I interacted and worked with the resources in my “Resource Log” (also found on my blog). This has been a very interesting experience for me because I have never blogged before. Throughout other classes in my educational background, I have been required to record my learning insights/reflections in a physical journal, but I have never posted my ideas and reflections on the Internet for all to see. I must admit that I was a bit unnerved (just like I was about working in the WikiText Sandbox – See “Reflection Journal #1” post) about posting my ideas at first, but I have quickly found that blogging is kind of exciting. I have found that, so far anyway, I like posting my ideas for all to read—it’s kind of fun. It seems like the more I type, the better and more coherent my ideas flow.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom /Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
As for classroom application, in today’s technology-driven society, where social-networking sites like MySpace and FaceBook are a smash hit with “techies” of all ages, I think young children would be more motivated to write or reflect about their learning if they were able to do so using blogs. I remember being required to write in a journal when I was in the 8th grade, and I thought it was such a boring and tedious task. I absolutely dreaded writing in my journal, and I would always wait until the journal was due for grading to finish my entries.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly link to the following resource from my Resource Log:
Meyer, J.D. (2004, December). Blogs, threaded discussions accentuate constructivist teaching. Online Classroom. Retrieved from https://www.vcu.edu/cte/resources/newsletters_archive/OC0412.PDF
This Online Classroom article, entitled “Blogs, Threaded Discussions Accentuate Constructivist Teaching”, discusses how blogs enhance/improve constructivist learning and teaching.
Reflection #1
(1) Describe the Experience:
This week, I have been conducting research for the WikiText chapter entitled "Today's Controversies in Constructivism". While conducting this research, I have been recording my learning / research notes in the chapter's corresponding Sandbox. This has been quite a difficult task for me for many reasons. First of all, the open format of the Sandbox document really freaked me out. I'm a very structured person for the most part and I like to see exactly how things are supposed to be done before I actually attempt to do them. I like seeing a "finished" product or an example before I start, so working with this blank canvas of a Sandbox completely frightened and intimidated me. Secondly, the idea of working in cooperative learning groups, through a distance course nonetheless, to research and share research notes was a bit overwhelming to me as well. I’ve never really liked “group work” because I’ve only had a very few successful “group work” experiences.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom /Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
As for applications for the classroom, since constructivism focuses on allowing the learner to construct their own knowledge, I think that teachers should keep in mind that their students may be a little intimidated at first about working in a constructivist type environment or on constructivist-oriented assignments/projects. I think that this type of reaction is especially true of older students who have had the natural curiosity of their youth driven out of them by the need to do things “right” the first time as opposed to engaging in a “trial-and-error” thinking process. Therefore, in the classroom, I think teachers should be supportive of their apprehensive students and encourage them to be persistent and take learning “risks” to construct their own knowledge about concepts.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly link to the following resource from my Resource Log:
Seitzinger, J. (2006, July 10). Be constructive: Blogs, podcasts, and wikis as constructivist learning tools. Learning Solutions e-Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.careersmarts.com/21/blogs%20wikis%20podcasts%20learning%20tools.pdf
This Learning Solutions e-Magazine article, entitled “Be Constructive: Blogs, Podcasts, and Wikis as Constructivist Learning Tools”, supports my ideas and contends that constructivism can be an overwhelming medium.
This week, I have been conducting research for the WikiText chapter entitled "Today's Controversies in Constructivism". While conducting this research, I have been recording my learning / research notes in the chapter's corresponding Sandbox. This has been quite a difficult task for me for many reasons. First of all, the open format of the Sandbox document really freaked me out. I'm a very structured person for the most part and I like to see exactly how things are supposed to be done before I actually attempt to do them. I like seeing a "finished" product or an example before I start, so working with this blank canvas of a Sandbox completely frightened and intimidated me. Secondly, the idea of working in cooperative learning groups, through a distance course nonetheless, to research and share research notes was a bit overwhelming to me as well. I’ve never really liked “group work” because I’ve only had a very few successful “group work” experiences.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom /Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
As for applications for the classroom, since constructivism focuses on allowing the learner to construct their own knowledge, I think that teachers should keep in mind that their students may be a little intimidated at first about working in a constructivist type environment or on constructivist-oriented assignments/projects. I think that this type of reaction is especially true of older students who have had the natural curiosity of their youth driven out of them by the need to do things “right” the first time as opposed to engaging in a “trial-and-error” thinking process. Therefore, in the classroom, I think teachers should be supportive of their apprehensive students and encourage them to be persistent and take learning “risks” to construct their own knowledge about concepts.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly link to the following resource from my Resource Log:
Seitzinger, J. (2006, July 10). Be constructive: Blogs, podcasts, and wikis as constructivist learning tools. Learning Solutions e-Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.careersmarts.com/21/blogs%20wikis%20podcasts%20learning%20tools.pdf
This Learning Solutions e-Magazine article, entitled “Be Constructive: Blogs, Podcasts, and Wikis as Constructivist Learning Tools”, supports my ideas and contends that constructivism can be an overwhelming medium.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Constructivism & Technology Course Overview
What is your reaction to this course overview?
I'm very excited about learning more about Constructivism and Technology in this course. Being an early childhood teacher, I'm genuinely interested in Constructivism in general because I think young learners learn and retain more information/concepts when they have authentic, hands-on learning experiences. Moreover, Constructivism interests me because the school district that I work for is deeply rooted in Constructivism theory. Recently, they have invested major funds into the FOSS and STC science kits and the "Math Out Of The Box" math kits, and both curriculums are extremely hands-on and inquiry-based. During the lessons in these kits, the students investigate and interact act with a variety of materials and ideas which eventually guide them to discovering and constructing their own learning and/or understanding of the concept being taught. Overall in this course, I'm looking forward to investigating how Constructivism and Technology interact and relate to one another.
How do you feel about a 100% constructivist and collaborative course like this?
I must admit that I'm a bit nervous about a 100% constructivist and collaborative course like this, but since I'm a firm believer in authentic, hands-on learning, I'm keeping an open mind and a positive attitude about this course. I guess the best way to "learn" is by "doing", so overall, I'm up for the challenge.
How do you feel about publishing your learning on wiki's and blogs?
As of right now, I'm excited about posting my learning on wiki's and blogs. While I'm slightly familiar with blogs, I've never heard of using wiki's, so I'm interested in learning about how both of these tools work. I think that both tools (or at least the blog tool) may be tools that I could use in my own personal classroom one day in the future.
I'm very excited about learning more about Constructivism and Technology in this course. Being an early childhood teacher, I'm genuinely interested in Constructivism in general because I think young learners learn and retain more information/concepts when they have authentic, hands-on learning experiences. Moreover, Constructivism interests me because the school district that I work for is deeply rooted in Constructivism theory. Recently, they have invested major funds into the FOSS and STC science kits and the "Math Out Of The Box" math kits, and both curriculums are extremely hands-on and inquiry-based. During the lessons in these kits, the students investigate and interact act with a variety of materials and ideas which eventually guide them to discovering and constructing their own learning and/or understanding of the concept being taught. Overall in this course, I'm looking forward to investigating how Constructivism and Technology interact and relate to one another.
How do you feel about a 100% constructivist and collaborative course like this?
I must admit that I'm a bit nervous about a 100% constructivist and collaborative course like this, but since I'm a firm believer in authentic, hands-on learning, I'm keeping an open mind and a positive attitude about this course. I guess the best way to "learn" is by "doing", so overall, I'm up for the challenge.
How do you feel about publishing your learning on wiki's and blogs?
As of right now, I'm excited about posting my learning on wiki's and blogs. While I'm slightly familiar with blogs, I've never heard of using wiki's, so I'm interested in learning about how both of these tools work. I think that both tools (or at least the blog tool) may be tools that I could use in my own personal classroom one day in the future.
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