This link has been bookmarked by 24 people . It was first bookmarked on 21 Sep 2008, by George Lieux.
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28 Sep 11
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13 Jul 11
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Constructivism, in a nutshell, says that if you create the right learning environment then students will build (or construct) knowledge and learning for themselves. Constructivism takes the focus off “teaching” and places it on “learning”. It sometimes means teachers have to take their hands off the controls, let go a little, and realise that the best kind of learning happens when students work things out for themselves and not always when they get “taught”. You may have heard the phrase, “I taught them, but they just didn’t learn!”
Computers and communication technologies are amazing tools for moving the centre of power in a classroom over to the students, and this is a really hard thing for many teachers to get to grips with. As teachers, we are used to “controlling the class”, having “good discipline”, and calling the shots.
In many ways, constructivism turns all of that on its head. When you introduce technology into a classroom, you suddenly invite your students to learn at different rates, about different ideas, catering to different interests and abilities. These are good things, but it certainly changes the balance of power in the classroom.
If you understand something about Constructivism, you realise this can be a great thing, but if you don’t, it’s pretty scary. That’s why adding computers to schools without developing teachers’ ability to change the things they do simply doesn’t work.
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13 Sep 10
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25 May 10
Rob HillHow do you remove barriers to entry to using ICT? Some ideas: http://bit.ly/adptUw and here: http://bit.ly/bzi4P1 #guardianict #edtech
– Terry Freedman (terryfreedman) http://twitter.com/terryfreedman/statuses/14682162267 -
16 Apr 10
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06 Feb 10
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02 Sep 09
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23 Feb 09
Melanie Hughes@betchaboy Things That Make a Difference was mentioned today. Shocked that the conversation was in 2002 http://bit.ly/avFMO7 #acec2010
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27 Jan 09
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07 Dec 08
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08 Nov 08
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30 Sep 08
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28 Sep 08
Heather Bailie11 things that make a difference to integrating ICT into teaching.
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26 Sep 08
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21 Sep 08
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getting teachers up to speed when it comes to using technology in a classroom.
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1. Emotional Support
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I found it fascinating that the number one things that teachers need in order to integrate ICT is emotional support.
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2. A Shared Pedagogical Understanding
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But when we start talking about integrating technology it’s crucial to do it from a pedagogical perspective.
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If that’s all you use it for, you’re missing the real benefit. Technology lets you do entirely new things. Things that could not be done previously.
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Bunging a whole lot of computers into a school and using them to do the same sorts of things you’ve always done is a bit like strapping a jet engine onto a horse and cart.
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Having a good understanding of pedagogy lets you make informed decisions about where technology works and where it doesn’t. And when an entire school staff has the same shared vision… that’s when magic happens!
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3. A Constructivist Philosophy
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It sometimes means teachers have to take their hands off the controls, let go a little, and realise that the best kind of learning happens when students work things out for themselves and not always when they get “taught”.
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Computers and communication technologies are amazing tools for moving the centre of power in a classroom over to the students, and this is a really hard thing for many teachers to get to grips with. As teachers, we are used to “controlling the class”, having “good discipline”, and calling the shots.
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4. At Least Four Computers per Classroom
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According to research, you need a minimum of 4 computers in a classroom before you start to see a change in the way technology affects learning.
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kids (and teachers) need to be able to get their hands on it if it’s going to have any impact.
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5. Help to Access Appropriate Material
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You can give them a fish, or you can teach them to fish. I know what I’d prefer.
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6. Just-in-Time Technical and Skills Support
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7. Reliable Infrastructure
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Schools really have to ensure that everything works, all the time. Not most of the time; all of the time. Everywhere, for everyone. Until you have that, it’s an awful hard slog to build excitement about the joys of technology.
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8. Access to Professional Development
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Research found that if you want teachers to get on the technology bandwagon they had to have access to PD, which makes sense. But they don’t want to be forced to participate in it. Sort of like a safety net.
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9. Links to School from Home
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10. Leadership
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Putting ICT to work in a school requires leadership and vision. It takes someone to stand out the front and say “We’re going this way! Follow me!”
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11. Flexible Learning Spaces
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Flexible Learning Spaces has emerged as another critical factor. Are there areas for large groups, small groups, noisy groups, quiet groups? Can students find somewhere to rehearse presentations, make films? Can a large piece of work such as a claymation or time lapse photography project or science experiment be left in place over several periods without disturbance.
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25 Aug 08
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