Rene’s thoughts…

 Computer Game by Prettywar-stl (Flickr)

The article for this weeks blog focused on teachers using the social constructivist theory. The article focused on 8 classroom where teachers taught in a constructivist manner. In the article the teachers were able to communicate their methodology and constructivist teaching philosophy. When I first read the article I initially thought the teachers had a clear and sound understanding of the constructivist approach. I thought the article would lead on to say that while they had a good understanding they did not convey it in the classroom. I did not find this at all.

All the teachers worked together and communicated with each other on how they would teach certain lessons and they created the ‘explorers’. This was a useful strategy because it continued on through the years. The social-constructivist theory is very important in the classroom. I believe the teachers actually put the theory into practise when they were working on their lessons. They used the social networking as a tool.

The article was a very positive article, that gives clear and meaningful examples of the way the constructivist theory works in the classroom with the students. I hope that I will be a teacher that can use the social-constructivist theory to its full potential.

The Learning Federation is site for teachers and educators to log onto and access many different learning tools to teach. These learning tools on this website are items such as videos, pictures and articles. But what is really great about this website is their ‘Learning Objects’. Learning objects are basically online games relating to specific topics that a teacher is working on. Using online games through this website supports constructivist teaching because it becomes interactive learning for the students. By using learning objects and online games students are exploring and expanding their knowledge on different topics without realising what they are gaining. THEY ARE HAVING FUN! I strongly believe that if one is to use the constructivist teaching methods students should be switched on, engaged, interacting and having fun with what they are learning!

Here is a hyperlink to a learning engagement i picked out. It is a game called Swamp Survival: Hundreths counting. It uses many different problem solving strategies to work through the game!

Check out my Learning Federation Game!

First question: Which learning style does this ICT support? Using online games or learning objects in ICT allows for many different learning styles. Using Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, I believe this form of ICT supports six out of the eight learning styles stated by Gardner. These learning styles are: Linguistic, Logical-Mathematical, Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Musical and Interpersonal intelligences. I believe that by using the online Learning objects teachers are able to cater for many different students and their learning needs.

Second question: How could this ICT be implemented as a good cognitive tool within the learning environment? Using the Learning Federation website and online games such as Swamp Survival; student will be actively involved in their learning. They will be constructing meaning and gain a deeper understanding into the concepts the teacher is trying to convey. By using technology students are more confident in their abilities and it supports the Vygotsky’s theory of the Zone of Proximal Development. The teachers give the students as much knowledge and abilities to use to gain a deeper understanding from their learning engagements.

How is this ICT enabling the development of creativity? Online games do foster creativity in students because it allows then plenty of opportunities to see wonderful examples of different learning engagements. Once students have been given a clear model of an online game or learning object, the students who are more advanced and want a challenge can be given the option to create their own online games. They can use websites such as Hot Potato. By allowing students this option, students creativity is starting to flow and become highly developed.

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