Technology and the Constructivist Theory (Mod. 3)

There is not one person on this planet that can dispute the rise of technology and its implications on all of society.  In the context of education, technology has the potential to change the teaching and learning process.  Used as a vehicle for the content knowledge, technology can enhance student learning through multiple means.  The use of technology accentuates the benefits of constructivist theory in the classroom.
Constructivist theory states that learning happens through experiences and the formation of knowledge based on students' prior knowledge of any given topic.  Social interaction is one of the main components of constructivists theory in that students gauge their understanding against the understandings of their peers.  This is where technology enhances the qualities of the constructivist theory.

Communication was once defined and limited to a certain time frame and a certain distance.  Letters on horse back progressed to telegrams across vast distances, to phone lines across the world to face-to-face video chats.  Today communication is limitless and knows no borders or time zones.  New technologies such as Facetime and Skype allow for face-to-face collaboration in real time.  To the constructivist this is invaluable.  Even a simple computer chat gives students the ability to collaborate in real time.

Another constructivist principle is the fact that students should be self-directed learners.  Technology facilitates collaboration and self-directed learning by providing students with the opportunity to analyze and synthesize information.  There is a wealth of information at the finger tips of all students because technology has progressed at such a rapid pace.  Because of this, students need the skills to discern the validity of information and evaluate that information against their prior knowledge.  As mentioned previously, learners then discuss these evaluations with their peers to form knowledge.

Finally, technology affords students the ability to become producers of information.  This is a stark contrast to students who simply consume information.  Constructivist theory contends that students be active learners and are more than blank slates waiting to be filled with information.  Instead, technology allows students to synthesize information and produce their findings in a way that others can view and respond.