Constructivism in the Technology Classroom

Task
Integration of technology in the classroom is not just about cool and exciting "stuff." Instead effective technology implementation focuses primarily on student learning. The eMINTS program incorporates technology into the classroom embedded in an environment based on constructivism. Your goal during this activity is to begin to discover exactly what constructivism is and how it is applied in the classroom. You won't become an expert ready to teach every lesson based on constructivist principles, but you will have a better understanding of how teaching practices based on constructivist principles work to improve learning.

You will work in a group to research the theory of constructivism. After developing background in the theory, your group will choose a topic and describe a lesson for this topic based on constructivist principles. You won't have to provide a complete lesson plan, just describe the lesson in general terms.

Introduction to Constructivism
In order to implement constructivist principles into teaching practices, you must know about the theory of constructivism.

• What are some principles of constructivism? How are they incorporated into the classroom?
• What does a constructivist classroom look like? Feel like? Sound like?
• How do constructivist teaching practices differ from more traditional lessons?
• What is the relationship between inquiry-based learning and constructivism?
• How is technology integrated in a constructivist classroom?

You will be assigned to a group of four. In this group you will have a partner. Use the websites provided to research the theory of constructivism. Divide the research equally among the two pairs in your group. After each pair has investigated the information and taken notes, return to your group of four to share what you have learned. Work with your team to develop a list of constructivist principles using the handout provided.

Integrating Technology into the Curriculum. Theoretical Considerations: Constructivism

Constructivism and Technology: On the Road to Student-Centered Learning

Constructivism as a Paradigm for Teaching and Learning

Constructivism and the 5 Es

Connecting Student Learning and Technology

Constructing Knowledge with Technology

Concept to Classroom: Inquiry-based Learning

Compare Two Types of Lessons
Working in your group, use the following Lesson Comparison Chart, a paper copy is available in the handout section of the participant module, to compare the sample traditional lesson and constructivist lesson found in the participant module.

Implementation: Describe a Lesson Implementing Constructivism
Working in your group use the information you have obtained from your research and the lesson comparison to describe instruction based on constructivist principles.