On page 187 of the handout Modeling with Hypermedia I came across the term constructism. I also subscribe to the rationale that knowledge is built by the learner and not supplied by the teacher. I started introducing my students to the use of software to build presentation for the class and to save on cds for revision purposes some time ago. I am limited by the lack of resources available and the inflexibility of the timetable but this reading showed that I was on the right track although others thought otherwise!
My experience is that there is much learning taking place during the development of these projects. Students enjoy the experience unlike most things which get them bored easily. The teacher’s simply keep students on task and guides the process.
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5 comments:
Edwin,
Do you mind sharing a little bit more about what you did, specifically? I'd be interested in hearing it. Perhaps you can share in class tomorrow.
Eddie, are you referring to constructionism or constructivism? I realize that while there are similarities between the two,there are also marked differences. I think that the main one is that constructionism involves learners designing their own knowledge when they produce artefacts. Similar, but different...makes sense?
I think were on the same page. Construction of knowledge and attitudes while engaging in the construction of artifacts e.g. presentations.
Way to go Edwin - your'e on the ball. I would like to know more of what you did and how it turned out.
I have found that when students engage in modeling behavior of physical systems through the use of spreadsheets for example, the processes involved in manipulating the spreadsheets to work correctly enables them to gain a better understanding of the systems we are studying.
In my own study I use this technique and have found it to work really well for me. I build a useful product, understand the behavior of systems better and I integrate my love for physics and information technology.
In some ways I think information technology has made physics more interesting to me.
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