Constructivism and Social Constructivism

• Constructivism stresses knowledge discovery of new meanings, concepts, and principles in learning
• Social constructivism shows that the construction of knowledge is governed by social, historical, and cultural contexts
• Vygotsky emphasized that learning is affected by social influences
• Dewey views language as a medium for social coordination and adaptation
• Dewey states that human learning occurs when students socially share

Learning Frameworks

• In constructivism, knowledge is constructed by an individual
• In social constructivism, knowledge is constructed within a social context
• The definition of learning in constructivism is that students build their own learning
• The definition of learning in social constructivism is that students build knowledge influenced by the social context
• Learning strategies in constructivism involve gathering unorganized information to create new concepts and principles
• Learning strategies in social constructivism involve exchanging and sharing ideas, which stimulates thinking
• The general orientation in constructivism is personal discovery of knowledge
• The general orientation in social constructivism is students discussing and discovering meanings

Computer Capabilities

• Teachers can use computers as information, communication, constructive, and co-constructive tools
• Computers can also be used as situating tools
• An informative tool provides vast amounts of information in various forms such as text, graphics, sound, and video
• A constructive tool can manipulate information, visualize one's understanding, and build new knowledge
• A co-constructive tool allows students to work cooperatively and construct a shared understanding of new knowledge
• A situating tool uses virtual reality extension systems to create 3D images, giving users the feeling of being in a virtual environment
• CSILE (Computer-Supported Intentional Learning Environments) is an integrated environment developed by the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education

Classrooms

• Traditional classrooms are arranged in neat columns and rows with the teacher discussing in front
• John Dewey described tradional learning as a process in which teachers pour information to the learners
• SCL Classrooms are designed to gain effectiveness, efficiency, and economy, supporting ICTs, and the students are now active learners
• New school classroom environments are characterized individually or in groups
• Activities include performing computer word processing, preparing PowerPoint presentations, searching the internet, and brainstorming
• The teacher facilitates instruction and gives individualized instruction to serve individual needs

Types of Learners

• Traditional learners are passive
• SCL learners are active