Co-constructive tools

Co-constructive Tools

A co-construction tool is an approach, where it is an emphasis on collaboration, and partnership working. It also includes the interaction process such as cooperation and coordination. Students can use these tools to help them learn from others and expand their knowledge. In schools students and teachers can use the tools to construct shared understanding of new knowledge. The difference that co-constructive tool has from constructive tool is that in co-constructive, the users develop their understanding collaboratively unlike constructive tool where the users work independently to construct personal knowledge.

As a part of this this lesson we created a lesson plan in groups using Google docs. it was very fascinating to see and try out how we could create, edit and discuss collaboratively while sitting in our homes in different dzongkhags. We were able to share our ideas and hear our friend's opinions as if we are together. These kinds of tools are very productive and interesting for the students to work on, co-constructing knowledge and learning from each other.

So, co-construction is important for developing creative partnerships within the classroom. In a classroom, cooperation and collaboration is very important. It can teach students how to effectively communicate with others to solve problems. Also, this is a very important skill that students need to learn later in life. Co-construction of learning allows students to have social interactions within the classroom and to have the learning be more creative.

Examples of co- constructive tools:   

  ü  Google docs (docs.google.com)

  ü  electronic whiteboard,

  ü  Blogs and wikis

  üdiscussion forum on portals (pce.edu.bt)

I think these tools are very beneficial when the students do group works after the school hours. They can be sitting anywhere at home or other places and can grab a computer connect to a network and start their group discussions smoothly. Not just among the students but the teacher can also join the discussions and assess the discussion progress. Students are able to construct knowledge together and fill each other’s gap through collaboration.