Constructivism and technology have a complementary relationship. Implementing them together only strengthens the lesson and allows a deeper connection in the learning process. Technology in the classroom needs to be viewed from the perspective of constructing knowledge. Constructivism is derived mainly from the work of Piaget, Vygotsky, and Papert. It assumes that learning takes place in contexts, and that learners form or construct much of what they learn and understand based on their prior knowledge and experience (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). Constructivist learning environments combined with cognitive technology tools help to guide and activate critical thinking and the construction of a deeper knowledge base.
This week we looked at different types of technology that can be used to enhance the learning process. The main tools were spreadsheets and data collection tools. Microsoft Excel is the most widely used and accessible tool, but there are certainly many others that can be utilized. Programs like Excel, if they are implemented correctly, can have a strong impact on a learner and can allow them to delve deeper into the content than they may have otherwise. I have witnessed, in other teachers classrooms and sometimes my own, Excel being used to simply enter data and make a graph. I believe the difficulty in using technology for many teachers is using it in a meaningful way.
Our county has spent quite a bit of money on SMART boards, projectors, wireless tablets, and Microsoft software. They often give these tools to teachers without providing the training that would undoubtedly assist them in the implementation process. Consequently, teachers only scratch the surface of potential for these tools. One project I implemented last year was a flora and fauna identification lab. Students went into the grove of trees outside of our school with tape measures and string. Each group marked off a two hundred and fifty square foot area. They then used books to identify the types of plants and trees in the space. They took that information and put it into Excel where they created graphs. They then make brochures using Microsoft Publisher to make a travel brochure which included graphs of tree types, percentages of different trees, and types of flowers that could be used. They used actual photographs that they took to enhance the brochures. This was a constructivist activity which allowed students to build on knowledge they already had and use knowledge that was recently gathered. Projects like this one show that technology use under the constructivist umbrella can be a powerful tool and can only enhance the depth of knowledge that students acquire in the long run.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program seven: Constructionist and constructivist learning theories [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Joanne to Jason
ReplyDeleteThe opening statement in your blog post, "Constructivism and technology have a complementary relationship" is well stated. I do not believe there is any doubt that appropriate technology used correctly helps students create connections and build knowledge.
Teachers who want to continue to grow professionally and create a learning environment that will prepare students for the 21st Century often must spend time learning how to use new technologies as you mention. The drafting teacher at my high school received new computers and new software he was expected to use with the curriculum, all without any training.
I participated in a twitter chat this week using the hashtag #mathchat addressing the questions; "Should we use technology in the classroom? and if so what? This chat topic will continue Monday evening. Information about weekly chats and to vote on the topic can be found at, http://mathschat.wikispaces.com/
I like how you designed the activity identifying trees and plants using Excel to organize the information and create graphs. I would have enjoyed science in high school if I had the opportunity to create a product as you described.
I enjoyed reading your post.
Joanne
Jason,
ReplyDeleteHow exciting that your district has spent the money to provide your schools with the technology and software to enhance the students' learning process. So many times districts will sink all the money into the technology tools but not include in the budget the much needed teacher training. This is very unfortunate. I agree with you that because of the lack of teacher training teachers do not use technology so that it not only enhances the lesson but provides the students with the opportunity to engage in rich, meaningful learning.
I feel that most teachers probably want to use the technology tools in ways that are meaningful but they not only have a lack of training but they have the issue of time to try to research and learn how to integrate technology in an meaningful way into their curriculum.
I am blessed because not only does my school have a lot of technology but we have a fantastic computer teacher. He shows us a variety of ways to use that technology in our curriculum that also meets the ISTE standards. We engage in staff development training each month during our staff meetings, and then we are required to apply it in our room and share how we applied it with the staff. It really pushes us and is time consuming but we learn a lot and it ultimately benefits our students.
I really like your flora and fauna identification lab. I am sure the students had a lot of fun as well as learned a lot. In third grade we are still learning the basic needs of plants, parts of plants, and what plants are useful for. We plant our own "garden" and use it to help us learn about plants. They love caring for and watching their garden grow!
I agree with your comments Jason. According to research, "educational technology is most effective when used to enhance constructivist or student-centered instructional strategies." (AECT 1992)
ReplyDeleteHowever, in some classrooms, computers sit idle, becoming expensive dust collectors. In others, computers are only used as behavioral tools for drill and practice. But in many classrooms, students routinely use technology to collect, organize and analyze data wherein presentations can be enhanced to conduct solve complex problems. In these classrooms, the focus is on students use technology to help facilitate their learning that is apparent.
Most students would not prefer sit passively and listen to someone lecture to us about new technologies or practices, or learn the same information through hands-on activities? Having a more profound understanding of brain research is essential in how well I am able to implement appropriate lessons that will utilize technology to enhance student learning. Dr. Wolfe elaborated on how exciting discoveries in neuroscience and continued developments in cognitive psychology have presented new ways of thinking about the brain. (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). You certainly used educational technology in an effective, engaging way with the flora and fauna identification lab. Great job!
References
Association for Educational Communication and Technology. (1992). Using Technology to Support Education Reform, p. 10. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Education Office of Educational Research and Improvement.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program one: Understanding the brain [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learnCourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Jason -
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutley correct when you state that much technology is purchased without training. Our school installed 15 Smartboards this past summer, but did not tell any of the teachers that they were getting one. Now there are fifteen teachers who can barely turn them on. Worse off for me, another teacher and I , who have been using the Smartboards for years, are expected to train them. There was no time alloted to train, but the expectations are that these new fifteen teachers use the Smartboard in a proficient manner.
I also believe that the technology incorporated into our classrooms, such as Smartboards, will become as ineffective as pure lecturing if they are used simply to present the lecture. Creativity and discovery are a huge key to technology.
Todd
Hi Jason,
ReplyDeleteI think it is excellent that your school does pay for technology; mine does as well. YET, I certainly agree that it is a waste when schools provide technology without giving educators AND the students, proper training. As I have mentioned before, we are a totally wired (okay, really WIRELESS!) school, thus the students and faculty members ALL have tablet computers. We DO receive the technology training and those who are willing to learn, do, yet there are still some educators who refuse to combine constructionism and technology. However, regarding the students, while they do receive initial technology training at orientation and it is fairly extensive, there are still things that we need to teach them during the school year and I find it difficult to do so and still keep up with individual course curriculum at the same time. I would love to see freshmen have a mandated quarter year technology course, just to try to cover as many options as possible—of course, they cannot cover everything, but we employ a Learning Management system as a school and they have Wiki pages, polls, discussion boards, drop boxes for homework, etc. and while students were introduced to some of the options initially, I am currently finding that the freshmen have no idea how to use the Wiki pages and I have to take class time to teach them. I certainly feel it is important, yet as they will also use them in other courses, this is why I believe having previous training for them on this would be helpful and not take away from curriculum. But, again, some teachers are still not finding the merit of utilizing technology, so I am not certain that I would be in the majority!
I enjoyed your post! Jenn