Technology-Using Teachers By David Pikler and Jason McCullough

Preliminary Survey To begin our discussion, we ask that you take a technology survey

Constructivist vs. Traditionalist Classroom Practice Traditionalist Constructivist Classroom focus Teacher centered Learner centered (interactive) Teacher role Present information Guide discovery Manage classroom Model active learning Collaborator Student role Store information Create knowledge Collaborator Classroom social organization Independent learning Collaborative learning Individual responsibility Social distribution of thinking Role for technology Drill and practice Exploration/knowledge construction Direct instruction Communication (collaboration, information access, expression) Programming

Constructivist vs. Traditionalist Classroom Practice Traditionalist Constructivist Technology content Basic computer literacy Emphasis on thinking skills and with higher-level skills application building on lower-level skills Assessment practices Fact retention Applied knowledge Product oriented Process oriented Traditional tests Alternative measures Norm referenced Criterion referenced

Purpose of Survey Do the practices of exemplary teachers match the literature of what teachers should be doing? Does technology facilitate constructivist practices?

Methods of the Study People surveyed were from All subjects (4) computer (3) science (2) music classes (2) They were from a variety of grade levels. They had to fill out a similar application form

Results of the Survey “Based on the results of this study, it appears as though no one technology resource or educational experience is necessary for exemplary technology use to occur.” “Eleven of the 17 teachers in our study promoted at least some student use of student regulated learning strategies within their classroom” “Our results suggest that although constructivist practices do not depend on the use of technology, technology may both support and facilitate these practices.”

Final Questions So how do you define exemplary technology practices? Do you agree that technology facilitates best constructivist practices? Do you think that technology is necessary for constructivist practices?