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According to Dr. Orey, constructivism is the idea that individuals construct their own meaning. The constructionism approach is where individuals learn through building or creating and sharing with others. The authors of Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, identified the strategies of generating and testing hypotheses, which correlates with the constructivist theory. Students who generate hypotheses are enhancing their understanding of the content by using a complex mental process.
I learn best through building and constructing things in order to grasp what is being taught. When someone is trying to lecture me I tend to zone out and not pay attention. However when I am able to construct something and bring meaning to the lesson I tend to grasp the concept much more. When students are able to build on the information that they are being taught their understandings of the material is better grasped.
Technology allows for students to be involved in the learning process. Students are able to create wikis, blogs, power points etc. These projects allows for the students to build projects that enhance their learning while working with others. When teachers have engaging interactive lessons students are more likely to be attentive and willing to participate and be engaged. For a field trip that my class recently went on I had my students use flip cameras to understand how we are helping the Chesapeake Bay. With the help of the flip cameras students were able to document what they learned on the field trip to make a movie. This now has not just become a lesson that they learned on a field trip but something they can keep with them.
Technology is a great way for students and teachers to create lessons that are meaningful. With technology lessons can be more meaningful and interactive. The constructionism theory allows for more participation and engagement in the classroom.
References:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
In my opinion, creating will always be a lot more interesting than lecture. This is not always true for everyone, so a good mixture in the classroom is always a good idea. I am envious of the Flip cameras for the classroom. I sure wish that our school would invest some money into technology. We have lap tops without batteries. Defeats the purpose of a mobile lab.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to use flip cameras on a field trip! This will make the experience a very educational one. I think this might be an opportunity to use concept maps. Giving students a chance to decide specifically what they will look for while filming could help them produce a better movie.
ReplyDeleteI'm a hands-on learner as well. As I went through school I realized that in order to pay attention and get something out of a lecture, I had to write things down. My notebooks would be filled with notes from a lecture because I wrote down as much as I could just to stay awake.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, I love the flip camera idea! Having your students document during the field trip keeps them engaged even if they don't love the field trip. It also allows for reflection after the field trip. Great idea!