WikiBook on Learning Theories / Constructivism

Here is a WikiBook on Learning Theories / Constructivism:
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Learning_Theories/Constructivist_Theories

The book covers similar material to Chapter 1 of the class WikiBook on Constructivism and Technology: Transforming Schools and Classrooms, and contains a valuable bibliography, and several video resources on the topic.

Tense in WikiBooks

On February 6, 2009 11:33 AM, a class member asks:

What tense do you want the Wiki written in. My understanding was past, past perfect, or passive?

Answer:

Good question. The stylesheets and Wikibook policies do not specify which tense to write in. My suggestion is to use past tense when reporting / citing other literature and resources. However, use active (rather than passive) voice whenever possible. Use short sentences for better readability.

Please note that this answer is based on an "educated guess" or "common sense" and not on published policies or guidelines. Please comment with published guidelines you may have found other reasonable alternatives.

TurnItIn Tutorials

Here is a site with tutorials on TurnItIn.com

http://www.salisbury.edu/Library/tlr/turnitin/tutorials.html

NETS for Teachers 2008

The new 2008 National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS•T) published by the International Society for Technology and Education (ISTE) raises expectations for educators using technologies. NETS•T assumes that educators embrace constructivist philosophy and pedagogy to provide students with 21st century, world-class level learning experiences. See: http://www.iste.org/content/navigationmenu/nets/forteachers/2008standards/nets_for_teachers_2008.htm

The major planks of NETS•T are:

1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity
2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
3. Model Digital-Age Work and Learning
4. Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility
5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership

The underlying principles of NETS•T require educators to think and work with constructivist principles such as: (1) creativity, inventiveness and innovation; (2) authentic learning experiences and assessment, (3) collaborative processes; and (4) building a learning community. NETS•T appear to be rejecting principles based on the "transmission model" or "teacher-centered" / "curriculum centered" philosophies and pedagogies.

High Noon: 20 Global Problems, 20 Years to Solve Them

Rischard, J. (2003) High Noon: 20 Global Problems, 20 Years to Solve Them
New York: Basic Books.

http://www.amazon.com/High-Global-Problems-Years-Solve/dp/0465070108/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1233526418&sr=8-1

This is not a book about constructivism, but it is one that interacts with readers in a constructivist manner: It challenges readers to reflect, think, discuss with others, and act to understand and solve global problems. Teachers can use this as a resource, handbook or textbook for a constructivist unit or course.

A summary of constructivism

I found the following interesting - a summary of constructivism ...

(from: http://hagar.up.ac.za/catts/learner/lindavr/lindapg1.htm)

• emphasises learning and not teaching
• encourages and accepts learner autonomy and initiative
• sees learners as creatures of will and purpose
• thinks of learning as a process
• encourages learner inquiry
• acknowledges the critical role of experience in learning
• nurtures learners natural curiosity
• takes the learner's mental model into account
• emphasises performance and understanding when assessing learning
• bases itself on the principles of the cognitive theory
• makes extensive use of cognitive terminology such as predict, create and analyze
• considers how the student learns
• encourages learners to engage in dialogue with other students and the teacher
• supports co-operative learning
• involves learners in real world situations
• emphasises the context in which learning takes place
• considers the beliefs and attitudes of the learner
• provides learnersthe opportunity to construct new knowledge and understanding from authentic experience

Constructivism and computers

Interesting chart showing the partnership between tech/computers and constructivism:

http://hagar.up.ac.za/catts/learner/ameyer/constructivismandtechnology.htm