Constructivism Learning Theory with Educational Technology

 Piaget is widely recognized as the founding father of Constructivism with his notion that learning is individually constructed. Piaget (1973) developed the cognitive constructivist view of learning, which focuses on the individual's efforts to acquire knowledge, however, others such as Vygotsky have played a key role in making this student-centered and active learning theory influential today. Vygotsky (1978) developed the social constructivism view of learning, that talks about the acquisition or enculturation of knowledge by a social group.

 
Technology has changed the way we teach and the way we learn. Constructivism has become more popular in today’s technology world. It has close relationship with technology. By using technology in the constructivist classroom, teachers can engage students with the lesson more actively, work collaboratively, and develop more complex thinking skills. The growing demand of and use of cognitive tools in education is placing students and technology. Constructivists believe that technology should be used by the students as a tool to explore problem solving and acquire new information. Using constructivist strategies, teachers can promote communication and create flexibility so that the needs of all students can be met. Constructivist believe that we learn from exploring, participating, inquiry and analyzing problems. Learners understand deeply when actively involved and discovery-based learning. Technology fits into constructivism as there are educational tools based on constructivist learning theory. There are variety of application for different activity, and such varieties reinforces learning as well as make it more enjoyable and motivational for students. For example, from this course I explored educational tools and learnt how we can apply in education.