Constructionism is a great learning process because students are able to be active learners to create artifacts that can be shared with others. Project-based learning gives students the opportunity to create powerpoints, wiki pages, and other projects to present to the class and be active in the learning process. Project-based learning allows students to use personal experiences and knowledge of technology to create something they can present to the class, use to study, or a create way of remembering the information. This type of learning is far from the traditional way of listening to the teacher lecture, answering questions, and taking test. Now students are able to be active in learning by using technology to conduct research, create an artifact, and present to the class. This can be promoted by a sense of ownership from the student in that they are responsible for providing the material for their classmates.
Generating and testing hypothesis allows students to expand their knowledge and understanding how to use programs like excel. When generating and test hypothesis using technology, students are able to create a working spreadsheet while experimenting and finding ways to reach a particular solution. Project-based learning works along side of generating and testing hypothesis in that students are developing ways using technology to solve a particular problem or situation. Students are generating news ways and ideas of how technology can help solve or create an artifact.
Using technology to help with testing hypothesis science class or generating charts and graphics for math classes are all great ways to gain knowledge on using excel, powerpoint, or other programs that help create an insightful and meaningful project. Integrating technology with project-based learning allows students to find new and interactive ways to focus on the results and outcomes rather than compiling and recording the information (Pitler, 2007). Teachers provide more learning opportunities when students are able to be active and provide evidence of learning through project-based learning.
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Technology not only helps solve or create an artifact, it makes the students job easier and a lot more fun. I wish I was back in high school with all these tools they have today. I graduated high school in 1976 when something called the typewriter was our top tool. That tool made my job harder. Pocket-sized calculators came into existence after I graduated. Digital watches weren’t even thought of. I had to use a sundial.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, Rodney that was hysterical! I am younger then you, however I learned how to type on a typewriter and it shows how quickly technology changes.
ReplyDeleteThomas,
I think the great part about using technology is that students aren't spending time gathering and charting data. It becomes more about analyzing the data and using those criticial thinking skills. This is wonderful for some of our students who struggle with basic computation skills and therefore their findings are wrong. However, these struggling students can often analyze and read this data and be successful in the classroom because they aren't worried about the relentless computation or recording of numbers, dates, etc. I used to spend a lot of time making sure students knew how to computate and create accurate graphs and the like, however it wasn't providing my students with the opportunity to think about the information in a way that is truly needed.