In week 1 of Teaching with Technology EDLD 5364 we discussed different teaching theories.    The Constructivism theory was the focus of the readings.   Constructivism theorist such as those at the Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, (1999) believe “Learners combine experience (action) and thought (reflection) to build meaning.  Both parts must be present to support the creation of new knowledge.”  Constructivism is the model for integrating technology into the teaching and learning process.   I agree that this is a great way to incorporate the technology skills our students already have to new knowledge presented in core classes.  Many teachers are afraid to give up control of the learning in the room to the students.  Constructivist classrooms are more active and noise than traditional classrooms.  Students are not quietly listening to lectures or working on worksheets as those in the traditional classroom.  The Constructivism theory engages our students in more high order thinking and problem solving needed in the rigorous curriculum of the 21 century.   Sprague and Dede (1999) write, “Constructivist teachers encourage student inquiry by asking thoughtful, open-ended questions and encouraging students to ask questions of each other.” 

As I read these articles, I did wonder of how Constructivism with technology could be implemented in my building.  I know that our district puts many demands on our teachers and students to cover the TEKS in a timely manner.    Most teachers have to cover certain material in less than a six-week period when a district test is given to show students mastery over the given TEKS.  According to Sprague and Dede (1999) “For this type of teaching to be successful, teachers need to give students time to explore the material and construct meaning from the experience.”  How can a teacher give students time to explore and cover all the material in a given curriculum?  How can a teacher monitor these explorations and project based learning activities to makes sure each child has received the knowledge needed for the curriculum?

Southwest Educational Development Laboratory, (1999). Learning as a personal event: A brief introduction to constructivism. Retrieved from http://www.sedl.org/pubs/tec26/intro2c.html

Sprague, D. & Dede, C. (1999). If I teach this way, Am I doing my job: Constructivism in the classroom. Leading and Learning, 27(1). Retrieved from the International Society for Technology in Education at http://imet.csus.edu/imet9/280/docs/dede_constructivisim.pdf