Reflection on ICT as Constructive Tool

ICT as constructive tool can be used in constructing their knowledge through experience and manipulating information. Constructivism promotes social and communication skills by creating a classroom environment that emphasizes collaboration and exchange of ideas. Application of both theoretical input and practical knowledge is the integral part of constructivism. It believes that all knowledge is constructed on the basis of pre-existing knowledge. Examples of constructive tool are electronic bulletin board, simulation, MS publisher, social networking sites (blog, facebook, and twitter).

A social net work is defined as a chain of individuals and their personal connection and social networking is the practice of social connects by making connections through individual, often through social media such as facebook, blog and twitter.  Depending on social media platform, members may be able to connect any other member. Social networking services are interactive. Learner can post a topic, discuss critical ideas and help retain knowledge in a central place. Through social network, exchanging information with colleagues can create their own meaning by manipulating the information that they get.

Constructive tool can be integrated in various ways in teaching and learning. Following are some of the methods to integrate constructive tool.   

• Teacher can create something new way to deliver the lesson using constructive tool like PowerPoint, simulation, word or work sheet.
•  Teacher can use it for assessing children’s learning by giving feedback and comment.
•  The application such as word spread sheet and PowerPoint are also seen to help learners in building new knowledge on their prior knowledge.
• Letting students to use basic technology tool to create a brain storm or concept map for their work or any other subject matter.

 Based on this tool we are given an activity to create a PowerPoint simulation which was to advocate my village as a tourist agent to attract tourist. Creating a PowerPoint simulation was something that I heard for the first time and this task was bit difficult for me and I nearly gave up on it.  As I began to browse information on simulation and how it should be created, I found myself exploring the different features available in PowerPoint presentation particularly the animation features. It has made me explore and practice which in turn helped me gain interest in construction my own learning.

Simulation

Therefore, there are many benefits of constructivism in the classroom as it creates an active, engaging environment for children. Instead of being passive listeners, children through discussion and collaboration foster critical thinking and independent learners, it constitutes a shift from teacher to learner centered pedagogy and it helps learners to adopt, explore and practice.