APP4 Blog Post
Constructionism, like the word impys, is the theory that we make deeper connections with new concepts when we “build” on something we already know. This week’s videos and readings give some excellent information on how to incorporate the constuctionism theory into the classroom in order to help facilitate complex concepts.
According to Dr. Michael Orey, people strive to have a “balance” he calls this equalration. He also states that when we begin to assimilate new information we need to be able to accommodate when our assimilation becomes altered. He suggests that through the construction of projects students are forced to assimilate new concepts. This theory is supported by the article, Seymour Papert & Constuctionism (1999) in which the author explains another way to think about this theory. She writes that learners are actively engaged in learning when they are creating artifacts.
In Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, contend that when students generate, and test hypotheses, they are engaging in complex mental processes, applying content knowledge like facts and vocabulary, and enhancing their overall understanding of the content (p.202)
After considering the sources I checked each of the listed websites supplied for our review. I was so impressed with some of them I plan to use them in lesson plans within the next couple of weeks. From Apple Learning Interchange, I found music that can be added to technology generated projects. From Edutopia, I found free videos, ideas, and tips for generating artifacts. At Project-Based Learning, there are step-by-step directions on how to design projects. At NASA Solar System Simulator there are places where students can make hypotheses and then check them out. At the website, Astroventure, students can research information on space programs.
Overall I found this week’s class materials to be highly informational and I can’t wait to get started.
Resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer).(2010). Program seven. Constructionist
and constructivist learning theories[Webcast].Bridging learning theory,
instruction and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author
Pitler, H., Hubble, E.R., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., (2007). Using technology with
classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA, ASCD
Thurmond, A.(1999)Seymour Papert & Constructionism-+ Constructivism and
Constructionism. Retrieved on May, 17, 2011 from
http://online.sfsu.edu/~foreman/itec800/finalprojects/annmariethurmond/home.html
Hi Nancy! You bring up strong points that support the theory of constructionism. It is not always an easy task to create lessons where students are "building" something, but now knowing that this also includes PowerPoint is terrific! I too found the websites very useful and interesting. The Apple site and NASA Solar System Simulator were amongst my favorites. I was so interested in the NASA one especially. It is so cool to be able to plug in any possibility in the Solar System to get another point of view. I as having fun with the site!
ReplyDeleteNancy, Instruction strategies like generating and testing hypotheses help student improve overall understanding of content. Technology tools like spreadsheets, data collection, and Web resources are effective way to have students create and build external artifacts. Students enjoy task using constructivist theories because they are more involved throughout the learning process. These activities develop critical thinking skills that deepen meaning and memory.
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