Blog Post Week #8 Technology's role in Constructivim

Technology and Constructivism

Constructivism Learning Theory

Constructivist Learning Theory has always been a learning theory that I value in my teaching practice.  This theory of learning requires teachers to facilitate a student centered learning environment where they engage with their students actively in the construction of their knowledge (Coupal, 2004).  The focus of constructivist learning theory is on the process of building knowledge rather than the result (Coupal, 2004).  I always try to have students research and find information for themselves rather than feed them the exact information they are looking for.  This style of teaching is often refered to as being a "guide on the side" rather than a "sage on the stage".  This student centered style of teaching encourages collaboration amoung students while provided an opportunity for students to gain valuable research skills. Learning through constructivism is both active and reflective as students build upon their prior knowledge and beliefs through the use of a variety of tools, resources, and contexts (Paily, 2013).  

Technology 

Technology is an essential tool for teachers to use in facilitating constructivist learning in their classroom. Information communication technology (ICT) provides sources for authentic information, allows for collaboration, and encourages interaction with content (Paily, 2013).  More specifically Web 2.0 technologies that allow students to actively engage and ineract with online content support constructivism (Paily, 2013).  Social media is an excellent example of a Web 2.0 technology that students can use to construct knowledge.  Twitter for example is becoming more and more common in schools and classrooms as a way to connect and collaborate and share knowledge through the use of hash tags.  I have a hashtag I use for each of my classes and I often have students share something from a day's class as a form of learning consolidation.  Learning Management Systems (LMS) also allow collaboration amoung students through discussion boards, and email.  LMS webpages can also help facilitate constructivist learning theory by having students access online resources and provide guidance to student centered research and learning activities.  

I look forward to learning more about learning theories and the roles of technology in this weeks adobe connect session.  Although many learning theories have been around for far longer than web 2.0 technologies I feel that many theories are reliant on technology as technology has greatly changed education and will continue to do so into the future!

References

• Coupal, L. V. (2004). Constructivist learning theory and human capital theory: Shifting political and educational frameworks for teachers’ ICT professional development. British Journal of Educational Technology, 35(5), 587-596. doi:10.1111/j.0007-1013.2004.00415.x
  
• Paily, M. U. (2013). Creating constructivist learning environment: Role of "web 2.0" technology. International Forum of Teaching and Studies, 9(1), 39.

Comments to Blog Week #8 Posts 

Rachel Jimenez-Katsman: As an OCT I can relate to the inconvenience of anecdotal note taking for student assessment. A few weeks ago our entire staff was reminded during our "district support" that assessment should not always focus on the "product" but it should also assess processes and conversations (this is outline in the Ministry of Education's "Growing Success" document).  As the superintendent outlined this I really wanted to ask "can you give me a specific example of how a teacher can assess process?" But I kept quiet.  I love the tech ideas  you mentioned and I am definitely going to check them out.  Another one I wanted to share with you is called "Fresh grade", it is a digital portfolio that allows teachers to easily track progress of individual student work.  There is a handy app for student and parents as well.  

James Eldon: Firstly good for you for addressing what is indeed a hot topic.  I will be upfront from the start here and disclose that I am a teacher in a Catholic Secondary school and therefore you may feel my response is biased however I will attempt to present some arguments against amalgamating public and Catholic school systems in an unbiased manor.  Schools receive funding on a per student basis, and this funding comes from taxpayers however taxpayers choose what school board their money goes towards.  If your child attends a Catholic school than your tax money would go to the Catholic School system, if your child goes to a public school your tax money would go to the Public School system.  This means amalgamation would not save tax payers any money.  Secondary Catholic Schools are "open access" meaning anyone of any Religion can attend.  There are some Catholic Schools in the GTA with more muslim students than Catholic students.  Catholic schools are accommodating to all religions and provide muslim students access to chapels for prayer.  The religious diversity of Canada has indeed changed over the last hundred years or so (when some Catholic Schools first opened) and the importance to teach about world religions is crucial.