Constructivist Module

I have enjoyed each of the ideas that my warm-up groups have come up with so far. Each of the projects uses technologies and is a good example of a constructivist learning environment. The first project, “Our Long Island”, used various technologies to connect our students to other learning communities as well as to the cultural and community resources on Long Island. The third project, “Global Awareness Global Partnerships”, also used various technologies to bring our students a project that is complex, realistic and relevant. It is near and dear to my heart since it deals with reading and sharing it with others.

Another project I have created uses a Webquest to learn about the digestive system. It uses the internet to both organize the project and connect the students to many of the resources they will need. Their project will take them on a journey to discover how their digestive system works. They will learn how to recognize and avoid common digestive system problems and diseases. This becomes realistic and relevant to each of them as they interview family members and friends who have some of the common problems with the digestive system. By inviting the family and friends to help they are distributing the learning among the community. This helps the student to develop a need for learning. The professional community is also asked to help the students by offering their expertise through e-mail communications.

The project is complex with multiple paths and multiple solutions. Each student in a group will take on a different role: a patient, general practitioner, specialist, or nutritionist. They will use pre-selected web site links to research their role’s involvement with the problem. Then together as a group they provide social negotiation by discussing their findings and preparing a PowerPoint presentation and a skit to perform for the class. In performing the skit they construct their knowledge. I believe this project encourages ownership in their learning.

At the conclusion of this project they should have a better understanding of the digestion system, be able to recognize some of the common problems/diseases associated with it, have learned how to prevent these problems through diet and/or exercise, and be able to appreciate what their body is constantly doing for them.

As I am learning new technologies I see new ways to make this project more interesting for the students. I think they are bored with PowerPoint presentations and I think they would love to use moviemaker or photo story to make their presentations. I think they could use a Blog to get some of their initial information from family and friends. They could also use that same Blog to involve others from within the school environment.