Most of the students that we work with in schools are of the Digital Native “descent” having been around computers or some form of technology most of their lives. They have become accustomed to having the instant gratification of answers, pictures, and information at their fingertips. It is important that as teachers we strive to bring this advanced and higher level of learning that technology can provide. With constructionist approaches to teaching and learning in our classrooms, we can provide our students with a form of higher level learning in which they seek to discover the answers on their on developing collaborative skills and enhancing their thought process.
Constructionist Learning Theories are about constructing anything using tools that get students engaged and active in constructing artifacts (Laureate, 2009). This can be allowing students within your classroom brainstorming together on a topic, creating a Power Point presentation in order to display research on a given topic such as each group creating a travel guide to one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the world. Showing students how to utilize programs to calculate daily spendings and savings based on a salary can also be a way for students to learn through technology based on real life examples. Allowing students to engage in a higher level of thinking and allowing them to use the skills and vocabulary they have already acquired will help to help them essentially gain more of an understanding of the content at hand (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Allowing this interaction with students and with technology help to foster a seamless transfer from school to students’ own personal daily lives.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
You gave me a good idea. I am going to create an excel spreadsheet, in which my students can track their savings. I work with 18-21 year olds in a special ed program, teaching real-life skills.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Jodie
I always wished that a teacher had taken the time to show us how to calculate and ways keep track of our spending and saving as a part of a math lesson. It might have made math seem more approachable and also help us see where we would use it in daily life. Instead we had to learn through trial and error! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you when you say that most students know a lot about technology. This knowledge makes things simpler on the students as well as educators. Technology has made it easier and more fun to collect data and organize it in ways we could of never imagined. It is also a benefit because it gives the students a chance to collaborate with others and learn from their peers.
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