Lee Ellen Sharp

Foundations of Education

COMPUTER-BASED CURRICULUM: USING “WEB 2.0” TO HELP THE CONSTRUCTIVIST LEARNER

TECHNOLOGY IN SCHOOLS: COMPUTER-BASED

• Computer-Based Instruction is defined as “The use of the computer in the delivery of instruction.” (Lehman, Purdue University)

Providing computer-based instruction is the “key” to the future

IMPORTANCE OF TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION• Technology can be used in conjunction with most every curriculum trend used in

classrooms today.

• Many schools are converting into “Digital Schools.”

• These schools are opting to use computer-based instruction as opposed to instruction that uses textbooks and lecture. “Students now frequently work in groups, and they use one of dozens of interactive learning platforms instead of textbooks.” (Farrell, n.d.)

No More Books??

CONSTRUCTIVIST LEARNING• “Constructivism”- A learning theory that emphasizes the ways in which learners

actively create meaning by constructive and reconstructing ideas about reality.” (Ornstein, Levine, Gutek, & Vocke, 2011)

Constructivists build upon what they already know by using prior knowledge.

CONSTRUCTIVIST LEARNING

One key force to help educate the constructivist learner:

“OMNIPRESENT USE OF EVOLVING

TECHNOLOGIES” (Henson 2010)

TECHNOLOGICAL RESOURCES TO HELP A CONSTRUCTIVIST LEARNER

“Web 2.0”Refers to Web-based utilities and technology tools that focus on social, collaborative, user-driven content and applications.” (Paily, 2013)

Examples of “Web 2.0”

• Wikis• Blogs• Podcasts• E-mail• Social Networks• Web syndication

• Virtual Learning Environment

• Office Online• E-portfolio• Forum• Collaborative Graphic Aids• Word Clouds

ROLE OF THE TEACHER IN A COMPUTER-BASED CURRICULUM

• Encourage multiple perspectives• Promote student-centered learning• Relate learning situations that are relevant to the

‘real world’• Consider students prior knowledge

(constructivism) when developing lesson plans• Stay informed on new technological trends

SUPPORT OF THE TREND

Helps individualize education

Encourages problem-

solving skills

Direction in which

education is heading

Helps the Constructivist

Learner

OPPOSITION OF THE TREND

• Some teachers and parents are worried about where the funding for new technology will come from. Teachers worry that “teaching positions could be eliminated and their raises reduced to help offset the cost of technology.” (Richter, 2012)

• Training is sometimes scarce

• Sometimes a feeling of “impersonality”

CONCLUSION• It is the role of the teacher to promote computer-based curriculum as schools are

becoming more digital

• Technology in the classroom can encourage the constructivist learner

• The use of “Web 2.0” resources can aid in instruction

• There are very few oppositions to this style curriculum

• Most educators are excited to see what is on the horizon regarding this trend

REFERENCES• Lehman, J. Computer Based Instruction: Categories, Characteristics, and Applications in Education (Power Point slides). Retrieved

from http://www.edci.purdue.edu/lehman/edci564/cbi.ppt

• Farrell, E. 10 Lessons From the Best District in the Country. Retrieved from http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=3757944

• Ornstein, A.; Levine, D.; Gutek, G.;Vocke,D. (2011). Foundations of Education (11th ed.) Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.

• Henson, K.T. (2010) Curriculum Planning Integrating Multiculturalism, Constructivism, and Education Reform, Waveland Press, Inc. Long Grove, Illinois.

• Paily, M. (2013). Creating Constructivist Learning Environment: Role of “Web 2.0” Technology. International Form of Teaching and Studies, vol. 9 no. 1. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.uwa.edu:2048/eds/detail?vid=9&sid=268c5b63-dbc0-43d2-a7aa-cc5d7c60e5a6%40sessionmgr110&hid=102&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db=eft&AN=86717777

• Santally, M.; Rajabalee, Y.; Cooshna-Naik, D. (2013) Learning Design Implementation for Distance e-Learning: Blending Rapid e-Learning Techniques with Activity-Based Pedagogies to Design and Implement a Socio-Constructivist Environment. European Journal of Open, Distance and E-Learning. 14pp. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.uwa.edu:2048/eds/detail?vid=4&sid=26bbbf22-2fc5-412a-a342-6bcff2bd502d%40sessionmgr111&hid=102&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db=eric&AN=EJ982978

• Furger, R. (1999) Are Wired Schools Failing Our Kids? PC World vol. 17. issue 9. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.uwa.edu:2048/eds/detail?vid=2&sid=26bbbf22-2fc5-412a-a342-6bcff2bd502d%40sessionmgr111&hid=102&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#db=f5h&AN=2157559

• Perles, C. How to Integrate Multiculturalism Into the Classroom. Retrieved from http://www.ehow.com/how_7641535_integrate-multiculturalism-classroom.html

• Richtel, M. (2012) Teachers Resist High Tech Push in Idaho Schools. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/04/technology/idaho-teachers-fight-a-reliance-on-computers.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0