The instructional strategies described in the resources that I explored this week definitely correlate with the principles of constructionist learning theories and this was supported in the text, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Chapter 11 introduces a variety of instructional strategies that are technology based that in fact support constructionist learning theories such as tools for collecting data, spreadsheet software, and a repertoire of web resources. All of these tools help students generate and test their hypothesis. As students begin to generate and test their own hypothesis they are then able to participate in higher level thinking and are able to become problem solvers.
As I have learned this week, constructionist theories are all about having students constantly building and constructing things with their own hands and own ideas. Now students can actually still do that while utilizing some excellent technology resources. Chapter 11 also touches upon interactive spreadsheets, and ways in which students can collect data. All of these amazing tools allow students to get information quicker and more efficiently so that they can spend their time generating their own ideas and testing their hypothesis, discovering patterns, and analyzing data rather than spending most of their time just trying to enter in the information they need to get started. That can be a very tedious task and it can waste away precious time that students should be using to think critically and be exploring their own hypothesis.
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Jenny,
ReplyDeleteI also read through the interactive spreadsheets section. It was neat to see how the students can collect data and organize it into graphs. It does make a more effective way than drawing it out by hand.
It is very important that we as educators challenge our students with upper-level thinking. Just as you said, this in turns makes them become better problem solvers. Great job!
Anna
I too found this information to be helpful. In math class, my students are learning how to analyze data to find specific information. I believe I will try to incorporate this into my lessons. Students love to engage in activities like this and it does promote a higher level of learning and thinking.
ReplyDeleteWith technology, there is so much for us as educators to use within our lessons. I have found that my students are wanting to do more an more with technology and it is really working out great!
Elizabeth Brindley
Jenny,
ReplyDeleteI also this would work well with students.
I would like to start small by collecting and analyzing data from spelling pre-test and post tests. I realize that students would understand the graphs would show growth. But, I would like to extend it to include the amount of time they spent studying each week as well as the types of strategies they used while studying their words. Kate