In this week’s Learning Resources I learned about the Constructionist theory which closely relates to the Constructivist Learning theory. Constructionism, “requires the learners to construct artifacts reflecting their acquisition of knowledge” (Orey, 2001, p. 5). One element of Constructionism is Learning by Design (LBD). “Learning by Design strongly suggests that tasks should be based on hands-on experience in real-world contexts” (Orey, 2001, p. 6). Luckily in most of my Business Education classes students can see how the concepts and ideas learned directly relate to the real-world. I try to make the content as relevant to their personal lives as possible.
This week I viewed the website VoiceThreads (http://voicethread.com/) where building artifacts can be collaborative, interactive, and interesting. I foresee myself being able to act as a guide on the side while my students create lasting artifacts and are actively engaged in learning. As we begin our journey with VoiceThreads I am growing excited with anticipation on what students will be able to create. At the end of the semester I would like to see students look back at their first VoiceThread and reflect upon all they have learned.
In both Constructionism and Constructivism learners are actively constructing meaning for themselves, but Constructionism is, “a theory of learning that states people learn best when they build an external artifact; something they can share with others” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). I often ask my children to create projects and artifacts. In the future I would like to utilize educational technologies to allow my students to create the same artifacts and projects but through the use of technology. I believe learners will much more excited to tackle a project when they can use the computer and really ‘wow’ their audience with the results!
Resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories. [Motion Picture]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
I too am excited to use voicethreads. I had fun just recording my voice with my thoughts about a picture. I can just imagine how motivating this technology will be in the classroom. Voicethread technology does fit with this week’s learning theory. Student’s can easily construct an artifact. I am planning on using it as a picture prompt to generate ideas about writing. I have been teaching about writing good beginnings using: action, thoughts/questions, dialogue and sound. I have several students who have a difficult time beginning their writing. I feel that using visual pictures in the voicethread and having the students first respond with a voice will help my struggling students writing improve. I will keep you updated about how this works. I am interested to hear about how you think you will use voice threads.
ReplyDeleteI agree with both you and Julie. I am excited about working with VoiceThread. Students will have the opportunity to create the artifacts that Dr. Orey discusses. Julie talks about using this technology with a picture prompt. I think that is an excellent idea for all students, but especially for our struggling writers.
ReplyDeleteYou are very lucky because your curriculum makes it very easy for students to create real-world connections. What exactly do you do to make it even more personal for them? A lot of educators would not do that. Some would think the class material alone would make the necessary connections. However, it sounds like you go the extra mile. Good for you!! and for your students. They are lucky to have you.