Friday, October 7, 2011

Technology Tools of Constructivism


VoiceThread - Digital Etiquette

"Social Constuctionism learning theories address the role of culture, collaboration and context in constructing knowledge and understanding of the world around us." (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010) Social Constructivism focuses on the social interactions that occur and assist learning while students are constructing
The instructional strategies described in this week's resources correlate with the principles of social learning theories through addressing the role of culture, collaboration and context in constructing knowledge and understanding of the world around us." (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010) Social Constructivism focuses on the social interactions that occur and assist learning while students are constructing. 
“Educational technology can play a unique and vital role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration, providing structure for group tasks, and allowing members of groups to communicate even if they are not working face to face” (Pitler et al., 2007, p. 140). Technology tools such as  Webquests, Keypals, web site development, and collaborative organizing tools can assist with facilitating engaging experiences which that will allow students to work collaboratively with others during the constructive phase of making connections.   
Computer-Mediated Communication(CMC), such as Keypals,  allow ELL students exposure to new/authentic vocabulary and written expression.  A positive effect has been the   decrease in foreign language anxiety as a result of personalized communication.  Students are able to develop friendships, explore cultural awareness and  opportunities to experience communication in English, through email, chat, lists, etc... Webquests allow the internet to facilitate, through a scaffolded learning process.  It provides authentic learning-centered practices that motivate students' investigation to explore and investigate open-ended questions.  It promotes both individual and group participation that allows students to make meaningful connections to newly acquired information.
Technology is integrated in as a "more knowledgeable other" or strategic tool  in helping students facilitate their construction.  It's a component of the social network within the classroom that helps students remain actively engaged in learning.  By allowing students an opportunity to learn and communicate, free of direct teacher facilitation, students are able to become self-confident in their abilities as well as strengthens their language acquisition skills.

References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program eight: Social 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

Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

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