This week’s resources focused on constructivism and
constructionism and how teachers can use these ideas and theories in the
classroom. Constructivism is a theory of knowledge that each person actively
constructs his/her own meaning and constructionism is a theory of learning that
people learn best when they build an external artifact that can be shared (Laureate
Education, Inc., 2011).
This week’s resources reminded and reaffirmed to me that
learning must be engaging and allow to be actively involved in the learning
process. In thinking about constructionism in the classroom, I believe that the
best way to use these approaches is by truly having a student focused class
where the student in directing and leading the learning process and the teacher
is guiding or facilitating the learning.
Technology can be used to help student learn and construct
their own knowledge. Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski (2007) states that
using spreadsheet software, data collection tools, and Web resources is a good
way to use technology to help students generate and test hypotheses. I believe that these tools are great ways for
students to gather information, assimilate and accommodate knowledge and
develop artifacts of learning.
As a kindergarten teacher, I believe that the above described
tools are for students in grades fifth and beyond. I believe that my students
can start small with online programs such as Explore Learning, which allows
students to develop and test hypothesis using interactive software known as
gizmos. As a class, we have used these gizmos to explore many math and science
concepts such as comparing sets, additions, and plants and their needs.
I believe that my students could also use simple technology
programs such as Microsoft Publisher or PowerPoint, to create artifacts of
their learning. These programs would
allow my students to write simple sentences about concepts or ideas learned in
class and add clipart to their work.
What other ways can I use technology to use the
ideas of constructivism?
References
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
Pitler H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K.
(2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works.
Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Trinecia,
ReplyDeleteI think that you already have some great ideas. As simple as they may be, for a kindergartener it will make a big impression and you will be teaching them foundational skills that they will be able to take with them throughout their educational journey. I can just imagine a cute power point presentation of vocabulary learned with images. I think that they would just love that and it would be so much more meaningful to them. I understand your dilemma and I found this wiki site that may be useful to you. http://pcscomputerskills.wikispaces.com/Lesson+Ideas+for+Kindergarten+Spreadsheet+Skills
Good luck.
Amanda
Amanda,
DeleteThank you for the comment and the resource. I just bookmarked it and will be using this in the near future.
Trinecia
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you said about starting small with online programs. I think different technologies are age appropriate. I think different technologies are more appropriate for specific curricular areas. In elementary school, I have used Power Point with students to create alphabet books, presentations on animal biomes, and explain the butterfly’s life cycle. These presentations were only one to three slides at most with a few pictures and simple sentences.
Vince
Thank you for responding. I think that the goal in kindergarten is to introduce the students to the online world and what technology can do. I love using technology with them but there are many limitations that I just can not do with them.
DeleteTrinecia,
ReplyDeleteI cannot agree with you more, in that depending on the age of the learner, I believe that we as educators need to guide and assist students in different ways. I think that it is important for educators at any level to realize that while students need their independence, they also need some direction and guidance from their teacher. I like your idea of having students using Microsoft Publisher for writing, and adding clipart to touch on the visual aspect of learning, because as we talked about last week Paivio’s dual coding hypothesis was based around the idea that people store and retain information as images and text. While I do not see Kindergarten students using spreadsheets for anything anytime soon, I think with properly facilitated the digital natives we have in our classrooms today are capable of more than what we believe. With a younger group, finding educational games that allow students the opportunity to learn and explore at the same time might be one of the biggest advantages we have with computers in the classroom.
Brian
Brian,
DeleteExactly, technology tools must be appopriate to the age level of the students. Guidance is the key at this age. Thank you for commenting.
As a kindergarten teacher you are in a unique situation with regard to integrating technology in the classroom. With students so young it is difficult to have a meaningful project that is student driven and teacher facilitated. It appears that you are on the right track with the things that you have already implemented. One program I think that students of all ages seem to love is simply MS paint. You can use this drawing program for nearly any lesson and allow the students to be creative while helping to build the motor skills required for manipulating a mouse and keyboard. I don't work with students this young, but I know our computer teacher at our elementary building uses Paint all the time to familiarize students with computers because many of the incoming kindergartners have had little to no experience with them.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the best way to a Constructionism approach in teaching/learning in the classroom is to strive for a more student-led environment as opposed to teacher-led where students are accountable for their own learning and the teacher is a facilitator of their learning.
ReplyDeleteTechnology can be used to help students learn and construct their own knowledge. Also, with the six tasks listed that teachers can use to help students generate and test hypotheses. (Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, Pitler, 2007) Students can gather information, assimilate and accommodate knowledge and develop artifacts for their learning.
My students are at the early elementary stage as well and are not capable of creating spreadsheets using the software like Microsoft Excel, however, there are units on line that allow students to engage in data collecting. Here’s a cute lesson using Froot Loops, this isn’t an electronic activity, however, it’s a good practice, and to get interactive on line lessons that cover data collection I turn to SmartExchange.
I haven’t used Microsoft Publisher, our school hasn’t purchased the license, however, I do like Keynote as well. I have my students create a simple keynote presentation, and they take a photo of themselves in PhotoBooth to include in their presentation. It’s fun!
Reference
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.