Constructive tool

Constructive Tool

The third tool that we learned was ICT as constructive tool. Constructivists believe that students need to construct their own understanding and the integration of ICT allows the students to construct their knowledge meaningfully. By using ICT students can actively engage in representing their ideas and knowledge in such a way that they enjoy doing and others can effectively grasp the information. This process can allow the students to have a better memory retention as they get hands-on-practice through their constructions. Students can also have access to wide range of information from the internet to help them explore on their existing knowledge.

We learned that a constructive tool is a general purpose tool that can be used to manipulate information, construct their own knowledge or visualize students understanding. It is also very advantageous in the context of increase creativity among students. Teaching with constructive tools is a learner-centered instruction that allows students to use technology tools to connect new information to their prior knowledge. This characteristic is concerned with the flexible use of technology to build knowledge.

To practice this function of ICT as a constructive tool we prepared a simulation of a special event of our home town in PowerPoint presentation. In the beginning I was confused and had a tough time using the features. But as I went on exploring I figured out easy and convenient it is to construct an advertisement of the special event of my hometown. It was not only fun but also very beneficial for I could create something that was on my mind into a form of simulation.   

Examples of constructive tools are

•         Google Docs
•          An electronic whiteboard
•          Blogs
•          Multimedia authoring tools
•          Simulations

After the lesson I think ICT integrated tools provides opportunities for constructivism approach for collaborative learning. Constructivism promotes social and communication skills by creating a classroom environment that emphasizes collaboration and exchange of ideas. Students must learn how to articulate their ideas clearly as well as to collaborate on tasks effectively by sharing in group projects. It will lead learners in their march towards better and higher quality of life.