Module 5

 

 

Kelly Kern

 

 

 

 

Walden University

Kathryn Arnold

 

Bridging Learning Theory Instruction and Technology

 

December 27^th, 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Constructivist Learning Theory

 

`The constructivist theory is when the “instructor acts as a facilitator and guides the learners along their paths of learning. Learners are assigned tasks in which they must implement instructional goals. They investigate, create, and solve problems” (Orey, M, 2010, p.130). Constructionism can be implemented in two forms-- Learning by Design (LBD) and Project-Based Learning (PBL). In both forms, students take on more responsibility in their learning.

The learning by design theory of constructivism allows for students to work in collaborative groups. According to Dr. Orey, “the participants are expected to design an artifact for their pre-selected target audiences; this can be an individual undertaking or a group work” (Orey M, 2010 p.131). However, with PBL, designing a learning environment does not necessarily need to have a targeted audience.  

A strategy that is used with constructionist learning theory is project-based learning and problem-based learning. Both strategies I think work best with technology in the classroom. What is the use of technology, students can use graphic organizers to help them brainstorm ideas and organize information in a way so that they can understand what is being taught.  With the use of Google sheets in Microsoft Excel through Google classroom, students can collaboratively get data and provide easy access so that their data is accessible for everyone. According to the ITSE standards, “Students critically curate a variety of resources using digital tools to construct knowledge, produce creative artifacts, and make meaningful learning experiences for themselves and others. (ITSE, 2008) Also, in cooperative groups, “Students use collaborative technologies to work with others, including peers, experts or community members, to examine issues and problems from multiple viewpoints (ITSE, 2008).

I’m excited about this upcoming year because there really isn’t a timeline with testing so it will allow me to create more opportunities to look more into the curriculum and experiment with both strategies. I think regardless if we are still doing remote learning or going back to the classroom, I will create a survey to see what students like better. 

    My school uses Schoology as a platform for our school district. Robert Schuetz, the creator of Schoology, mentions the project-based learning is beneficial to students in the classroom. In saying that, “A recent collaborative study conducted by the University and Michigan and Michigan State University suggests the implementation of project-based learning correlated positively with student achievement, particularly in schools serving high-poverty communities.”

         

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Bada, S. O., & Olusegun, S. (2015). Constructivism learning theory: A paradigm for teaching and learning. Journal of Research & Method in Education, 5(6), 66-70.

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2008). Standards for teachers. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards/standards-for-teachers.

International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2016). Standards for students. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards/for-students-2016

Orey, M. (Ed.). (2010). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://textbookequity.org/Textbooks/Orey_Emergin_Perspectives_Learning.pdf. 

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Schuetz, R. Project-Based Learning: Benefits, Examples, and Resources. https://www.schoology.com/blog/project-based-learning-pbl-benefits-examples-and-resources.