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Learning can occur in millions of ways depending on how the knowledge is presented. Personally, I need to jump into something in order to relate meaning. This is constructivist by nature.  I can’t learn by passively receiving information, but rather figuring information out on the go. This in turn has made me a think more critically. I believe it helps all children to get into an analytical state where they can make incredible discoveries about the world and them selves. Constructivism is beneficial because it allows the individual to express their beliefs and use them when interpreting their surroundings. I like this model of learning because I, as well as most of the people in this program believe we are continuously growing and adding onto what we already know, but we use our prior knowledge to make these connections. In the classroom education is focused on student centered learning, which is mandatory for success. This differs greatly from behaviorist techniques and isn’t so straightforward. It is more about the absorption of information and relates heavily to the affective domain. Thus, it’s also quite similar to social emotional learning (SEL.)

 

Constructivism can be used in schools in various ways and this includes with technology. It leaves room to interpret and create online through digital graphics. One example is making digital mind maps, and Venn diagrams.  You can constantly add on to them when integrating new information. The power is left to the hands of the young learner. It is extremely beneficial for anyone who, like myself learns visually. It also gives major opportunities for sharing information with others. Online we have phenomenal access to an endless possibility of information. For our students this can be important for self-directed research on topics. For example students can pick their own essay topics based on self-interest (student centered learning) and then can discover meaning behind whatever they chose. This creates motivated intelligent learners. The third use of technology in relation to constructivism in my classroom will be the use of an online Learning Management System (LMS) similar to eClass. I truly believe that for older students weekly discussion posts can help to extend learning. Students have the freedom to express their own opinions and beliefs on a topic and in turn collaborate to discover meaning. This could be done during class, but with this opportunity for digital discussions it allows children to continue thinking of topics when they are outside of the school environment. The discussion can continue in class, but in the end it saves crucial class time and everyone’s beliefs are heard to again embrace the idea of student centered learning. Notes and the syllabus will also be posted online. Children can have 24 hour access to their school work to do it when they wish.