Constructivism

The article "Connecting Student Learning" is both informative and reassuring to educators that technology integration can be successfully managed within the classroom. The discussion noting differences between a learner centered classroom and a traditional classroom captured my interest. At this point in the reading I was skeptical about the possibility and integrating the concept of constructivism and technology into the classroom. I teach in a school where the majority of students have difficulty navigating the internet for online research as well as properly utilizing specific software. Low self motivation is also an issue I have witnessed among my students as well. All three of these factors, in turn, affect the success and response students will have have to an activity or unit that I try to integrate that includes not only technology but the concept of constructivism verses teacher led discussions and instruction. As the article progresses, I found the concepts discussed to be realisitic-that it will take time and is labor intensive for a teacher to implement this type of learning and instruction. This is encouraging as an educator. Some of the activities mentioned within the article are similar activities that most educators are already implementing to help genereate student interest and motivation. But in order for this to become more consistent,a teacher can review every unit taught and analyze how and where activities can be implemented that focus on a learner centered classroom. I support the concept that students learn more effectively when they themselves are the "detectives" or "problem-solvers" however I believe that it is a lot of work and preparation on the part of the teacher. The unit must be effectively planned and organized and there should always be a backup plan in the event that something fails or students are not responding in the manner expected to promote self-motivation. The more students begin to expereince a classroom that is structured in this manner, the more they will begin to respond and share discussion comfortably with their peers. This is a positive change within the classroom but I do agree with the article that it is a gradual change and that technology needs to be a natural fit within the context of the lesson and content area.