Constructivism and

Technology in the Classroom

Jessica Morris

EDF 309 Technology for the Classroom

Dr. Mark Viner

Constructivism
Defined:
 Belief that humans construct all
knowledge in their minds by
participating in certain
experiences; knowledge is the
result of constructing both
mechanisms for learning and
one’s own unique version of the
knowledge, colored by
background, experiences and
aptitudes (Roblyer p. 506, 2019)
 Foundations of Constructivism

Discovery Learning Multiple Intelligences

Social Cognitive Theory
Bruner’s idea that children Gardner’s Theory that there
develop knowledge through Bandura’s idea that students are 8 different types of
interacting with their learn vicariously through intelligence.
environment. modeling observed behaviors.
Linguistic, Logical, Spatial,
Kinesthetic, Musical,
Self-efficacy/motivation are Intrapersonal, Interpersonal, &
essential. Naturalist
Social Activism
Dewey’s theory that curriculum
should be a hands-on experience, Scaffolding Theory Child Development
based on student’s interests and
show the interrelation of topics. Vygotsky’s theory that children
build knowledge onto what Piaget’s theory that children
they already know with the develop in 4 stages
Education is growth and help of adults.
occurs through active Higher reasoning abilities
participation. Zone of Proximal develop sequentially.
Development
Types of Technology used in
Today’s Classroom Constructivism and the theories behind it, lend themselves well to the use of
technology. In a constructivist classroom you might see students using various
forms of technology to enhance their learning experience. Some examples are:

•Computers, Laptops, Chromebooks, iPad, etc.

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA-NC
•E-readers, personal smart phones
•Interactive white boards, projectors, clickers, calculators
•Virtual reality or simulation programs like Nearpod VR
•Learning Management systems like Google Classroom
•Internet
•You Tube
•Classroom communication & behavior management programs like Classcraft,
Class Dojo, etc
•Educational gaming platforms like Kahoot, ABC Mouse, Khan Academy, etc.
 The teacher in this video uses multiple types of technology in
What Does Technology one lesson:
Look Like in a • Laptop
Constructivist • Projector
Classroom? • I Pad’s
• Students have computers at their desks.
• Current movies to help illustrate the elements of a story and
increase engagement.
• Student’s help type list of their ideas to be shown on the projector.
• Group video project with the I Pad (Howard Gardner would be
proud!)
Explore some of these popular classroom technologies
and see for yourself!
• Play Kahoot!
• ABCmouse
: Educational Games, Books, Puzzles & So
ngs for Kids & Toddlers
• Nearpod: Make every lesson interactive
• Classcraft - Because Kids Love Games
• Classroom | Google for Education
 References
Roblyer, M., & Huges, J. E. (2019). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching: Transforming
Learning Across Disciiplines. New York: Pearson.

Lye, C. (2018, August 29). 10 Examples of Modern Classroom Technology. Retrieved from Classcraft.com:
https://www.classcraft.com/blog/examples-modern-classroom-technology/

staff, T. (n.d.). Five Common Applications of Technology in the K-12 Classroom . Retrieved from teachthought.com:
https://www.teachthought.com/technology/five-common-applications-of-technology-in-the-k12classroom/