http://www.flickr.com/photos/moonriverme/426428261
Constructionism means “Giving children good things to do so that they can learn by doing much better than they could before.” Now, I think that the new technologies are very, very rich in providing new things for children to do so that they can learn as part of something real.
We should be enouraging children to be creative do-ers rather than passive learners – when children are creating, they are learning more meaningfully. Papert focuses on the making things in learning - therefore aspects such as creating, building and making, are key aspects that align with his philosophy.
This article further explains the difference between Piaget’s Constructivism and Papert’s constructivism theories: http://www.papert.org/articles/const_inst/const_inst1.html, however both are concerned with constructing their own knowledge in rich enironments.
« Webquests in the classroom
Quoted from http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=5572d1aece099af852d0:
TeacherTube – Learner-centered teaching with technology
This video explores what it means to teach in a learner-centered way using technology. Examples are shown how to teach music over the internet. The internet provides more opportunities for rural communities. It combines new technology, teaching and learning and links children from everwhere, with the only limitation being your imagination. They can create and be so engaged with the computer/web based world, the creative possibilities are immense!… view this video and be encouraged by what we can do with our e-teaching
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Webquests in the classroom »« Interactive Schooling Website
http://www.skwirk.com/
This website provides information and activities for teachers, parents and students which covers all key learning areas in the curriculum. The site cost is $99 for 12 months and has great podcasts and videos for students to encourage and support learning. Its a fantastic website and a great motivator for childrens learning. I hope you have a look at it as its a great tool for new teachers to explore different stategies for teaching.
TeacherTube – Learner-centered teaching with technology »« What makes a great website?
If you are looking for the NSW Foundation Handwriting Font to make worksheets, you can download it for $9.95 from Ready Ed Publications website which is www.readyed.com.au. The website also has fun and inspiring teacher resource materials thay are downloadable instantly. I found it really useful for prac and will definitely use for next prac.
My digital story… »« Benefits of using ICT in teaching writing
Winch, Johnston, March, Ljungdahl & Holliday (2006) list the following benefits of using ICT in teaching writing -
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develops an understanding and awareness of written and visual text
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provides a high quality of presentation that can motivate students who find handwriting difficult or messy
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allows students to reflect on their writing and to make changes easily by cutting and pasting text
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helps students to write more interesting texts because they can access a wide variety of information
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identifies, checks and corrects grammatical and spelling errors
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allows students to store and retrieve texts easily
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promotes both independant and collaborative writing
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provides possibilities for multimedia creations
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encourages students to write for longer periods because of the editing capacity
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allows for collaboration with other cultures
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gives opportunities for publishing and communicating within the classroom and worldwide
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encourages creativity
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enables student-centred teaching approaches
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easy access any time to course materials.
Reference:
Winch, G., Johnston. R., March, P., Ljungdahl. L. & Holliday, M. (2006). Literacy. 3rd ed. Oxford Press. Melbourne; Vic
NSW Foundation Handwriting Font »« ePals
Epals is the transition from penpals and facilitates opportunities for language learning. The speed of replies as compared with snail mail is the motivating factor for children. Email communication can enhance writing skills because of the excitment of communicating with someone from another culture. It allows students to do classroom projects and transmit cultural information about their countries (Winch, Johnstons,March, Ljungdahl & Holliday, 2006). ePals is the global platform for learning online.
ePals is a Global Community of collaborative learners, teachers, and academic experts in 200 countries and territories. It provides connections to students, classes, and school districts worldwide that are safe and secure. It is the safe and protected solution for linking classes, schools, and school districts globally.
Check out the website for more information: www.epals.com
Reference:
Winch, G., Johnston. R., March, P., Ljungdahl. L. & Holliday, M. (2006). Literacy. 3rd ed. Oxford Press. Melbourne; Vic.
Benefits of using ICT in teaching writing »« Kid Pix
I have recently come across this program in the school I am on prac with and am lucky enough to be taking my class for a computer lesson using this program. I have just found this useful website with 101 activities you can use with Kid Pix I have used some of them as the base for my lesson. So check it out if you are stuck for lesson ideas for Kid Pix
http://www.edzone.net/%7Emwestern/KidPix/kidpixacts.html
ePals »« Girls & ICT
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