Constructivism Taken To A New Level

This week I read Diana Walczak article "Encompassing Education" that focused on Adventure Learning. Walczak’s presentation of Adventure Learning takes constructivism to a new level. The Tangitrek she describes incorporates self-directed learning, discovery learning, and situated learning opportunities. Constructivism calls for learning environments that are realistic and relevant, collaborative, offer multiple means of presentation, emphasize learner ownership, and nurture metacognition (Driscoll, 2005). The virtual environment that Walczak describes fulfills this criterion. The use of a virtual laboratory makes situated learning opportunities possible where they may not otherwise be feasible.

Maria Montessori, an early constructivist, advocated for mastery (1964). Although Walczak states that the Adventure Learning model will keep track of the student’s skill levels, it is unclear if mastery is required before proceeding to the next level. This is a strategy I would like to see added to the Adventure Learning Model. Constructivism also calls for time to reflect. According to Alessi and Trollip (2001), a key principle of constructivism should be to “encourage learners to accept and reflect on the complexity of the real world.” Because so much of Adventure Learning is done virtually, taking time to focus on reality is crucial. The Tangitrek may be so realistic that the line between real and virtual may become very blurred.

Airliners

Today I learned that my school has Airliners. I had never heard of them. They are electronic notepads that the teacher can write on or give to students to write on and pass around the room and whatever is written is then projected onto the SmartBoard. I can't wait to try it out.

I'm enrolled in a technology management course this quarter. One of the course requirements is to do a 90 minute observation once a week of how technology is used in my building. Tomorrow I'm going to observe a Science lesson that incorporates GPS.

Back on Track

I started this blog after attending NECC and haven't done much with it since. I'm still writing KAM III that focuses on the integration of online courses at the secondary level. Hopefully I will have time to write soon.

I'm enrolled in my last two courses and am very excited to get started on my proposal. I really want to be finished by next summer.

I've decided to use Self Regulated Learning as my theoretical framework for my dissertation. I purchased 10 books on the topic today (a few Bandura books on self-efficacy in there as well). If you know of a great article, book, or resource, please send me the name. Happy 4th!

I arrived at the San Antonio airport at 11am and didn't get home until 2 am. NECC left me exhausted and my mind swirling. This week I'm starting my research for my proposal. If anyone has any good resources on Bandura, please forward.

NECC is wonderful. Brain is fried and I'm looking forward to going home to hug and kiss the kids:O)

Woke up way too early: 4am. Too many things racing in the brain. So I guess I'm now a blogger and a twit. I learned the coolest thing yesterday. Dial 18002chacha and text any question and you will receive an answer back in less than 30 seconds. Sooo cool. Conference is going well but my brain hurts.