1. Constructivist Learning Theory Presented virtually by: Sauying Chung Brenda Yolanda Hall Barry Harp Michelle Justis Linda Valadez

2. Objectives At the end of this presentation the student should be able to: 1) apply the definition of Constructivist Learning Theory to distance learning. 2) develop two ways to implement your skills in communicating about Constructivist Learning Theory. 3) apply two creative ways of Constructivist Learning Theory in designing a course management course.

3. The Theory of Constructivism The basic belief of constructivism are that: Knowledge is build from and shaped by experience. Students must take an active role and assume responsibility for their learning. Learning is a collaborative process and students create their own meaning from obtaining multiple perspectives. Learning should occur in a realistic setting. Learners should choose their own path through content and activities. Content should be presented holistically, not broken into separate smaller tasks. (Kruse, n.d.)

4. Historical figures who influenced Constructivism SocratesSocrates - likes to questions his students to promote critical thinking. Jean PiagetJean Piaget - suggested that through processes of accommodation and assimilation individuals construct new knowledge from their experiences Lev VygotskyLev Vygotsky - "zone of proximal development" where learners are challenged within close proximity to, yet slightly above, their current level of development. Jerome BrunerJerome Bruner - Cognitive structure (i.e. schema, mental models) provides meaning and organization to experiences and allows the individual to go beyond the information given.

5. Constructivist Theory Guidelines for Designing E-Learning Student-centered learning for active learning and work pacing Multimedia, multisensory stimulation without learner overload Collaborative work (teamwork creates a community of learning) Active inquiry-based learning Critical thinking and informed decision-making Proactive or planned action (scaffolding, modeling and feedback) Authentic real-world problem-based learning for "buy in"

6. Assess existing knowledge Modify plan accordingly Use cognitive terms Encourage communication Provide time Build on responses Provide variety Doable Implementing Constructivist Learning Theory

7. Challenge pre-existing Create contradictions Concepts maps to rebuild schema Trouble Shooting Student Choices 1. Delete the old 2. Modify old to fit new 3. Modify new to fit old 4. Reject the new

8. Examples of a constructivist e-learning approach include: Using patient treatment simulations to teach medicine to doctors, or other healthcare professionals Customer simulations to teach principles of sales or customer service Employee simulations to teach principles of management or supervision (Kruse, n.d.)

9. Podcast- Example of Constructivism It is a video showing the operation of a constructivist based class in operation It looks like an unorganized class but learning is happening and the guidelines for constructivism are being followed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5GKb5B d2-4

10. Discussion Question The Constructivist Theory is known as the dominant theory. Explain why and why not?

11. References: Christie, A., (2007). Using GPS and Geocaching Engages, Empowers & Enlightens Middle School Teachers and Students, Meridian Magazine, 10, (1). Retrieved 4-23- 09 from http://www.ncsu.edu/meridian/win2007/gps/index.htmhttp://www.ncsu.edu/meridian/win2007/gps/index.htm Dalsgaard, C., Godsk, M., Gregersen, B., Grabaek, D., (2008). Pragmatic Podcasting: How to Easily Facilitate Podcasting, Proceedings from EUNIS 2008, the 14th congress of the European Information Systems Organisation, Aarhus University, Arhus, Denmark. Retrieved 4-23-09 from http://eunis.dk/papers/p73.pdfhttp://eunis.dk/papers/p73.pdf Hein, G. (1991).Constructivist Learning Theory. CECA (International Committee of Museum Educators) Conference. Retrieved on April 20,2009 at http://www.exploratorium.edu/IFI/resources/constructivistlearning.html Huitt, W. (2003). Constructivism. Educational Psychology Interactive. Retrieved April 17, 2009 from Valdosta State University Georgia Web site: http://chiron. valdosta.edu/whuitt/col/cogsys/construct.html Kruse, K. (n.d.) Constructivism and Discovery Learning. Retrieved on April 20,2009 at http://www.e-learningguru.com/articles/art3_6.htm Ormrod, J. E. (2008). Human Learning (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice. Seitzinger, J., (2006). Be Constructive: Blogs, Podcasts, and Wikis as Constructivist Learning Tools. The eLearning Guild's Learning Solutions e-Magazine, 1- 14. Retrieved 4-23-09 from http://www.elearningguild.com/pdf/2/073106des.pdfhttp://www.elearningguild.com/pdf/2/073106des.pdf Sewell, A. (2002). Constructivism and Student Misconceptions: What every teacher needs to know about them. Australian Science Teachers Journal, 48(4), 24. Retrieved April 19, 2009, from Academic Search Premier database.

12. What are common forms of e-learning ? Podcast Easiest and most versatile e-learning to produce Video or audio content or both used for instruction Does not need to be professional quality production Weblogs or Blogs Serve as source of information for student and faculty Wikkis Instructor guided with student created materials RSS Really Simple Syndication includes podcasts, blogs and wikis

13. Information to Create Podcasts Podcasts Audacity (open source) http://audacity.sourceforge.net/http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ Gabcast (phone or VoIP) http://www.gabcast.com/http://www.gabcast.com/ Garageband for Mac OS X http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/ http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/ Blogs Blogger http://www.blogger.com/start/http://www.blogger.com/start/ LiveJournal http://www.livejournal.com/http://www.livejournal.com/ Edublogs http://www.edublogs.org/ free blogs for educationhttp://www.edublogs.org/ Wikkis How to book at wikiHow http://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Wikihttp://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Wiki RSS How-to information for RSS can be found at: http://www.infotoday.com/MMSchools/jan04/richardson.shtml