I really find constructionism to be a theory that I really identify with. Generating and testing hypotheses fits right into the constructionist point of view. When students are creating their own hypotheses and testing them the hypotheses are their artifacts. In Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, Pittler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski, suggest using spreadsheet software in many content classes. They encourage teachers to make templates, "students will be able to manipulate, consider graphical patterns, and test their predictions by receiving quick feedback on multiple scenarios," (Pitler, Hubbel, Kuhn, & Malenoski,pg 2004, 2007). This use of spreadsheets gives students the firsthand experience that Dr. Orey says students need when he describes the Constructionist point of view (Laureate Education Inc., 2010). I was also really intregued by the suggested use of simulation software, or video games to formulate and test hypotheses. Pittler et al describe the use of Making History to help students understand the "political and economic conditions that led to the war," (Pittler et al, pg 213, 2007). While the students are not necessarily creating an artifact that can be shared while playing these games they are constructing their learning and understanding of the many variables involved in world war. Because the students are again able to have this first hand experience and construct their own learning it falls under the classification of constructionism. This lead me to look for other simulation software and I found lemonade stand which can be used to have students see how different variables affect the sale of lemonade at their own lemonade stand.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program seven. Constructionist and constructivist learning theories [Webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Nick:
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the lemonade stand website. I actually played the 7 day game and made a profit of $20. I think that this is even a interactive game I could use in one of my Business classes. I just need to create a spreadsheet or have my students create a spreadsheet to organize and track the expenses and revenue so that we can try and prodict if I stand is going to loss or make money over the time period we play the game. I still need to work out the details. Thanks for the website!
The spreadsheet is a great idea I had not thought of to help the students organize their work and help them make predictions.
ReplyDeleteNick,
ReplyDeleteI will try to use the lemonade stand with my students. Because I teach kindergarten it will be a whole group project. I think it will be a great experience for them and a wonderful introduction to this type of interactive games.