ICT in Constructivism

CONFUSED WITH CONSTRUCTIVISM?
Ratheesh Kaliyadan


Kerala teachers in school education are proud in propagating that ‘we are the practitioners of social constructivism in actual class room situations’. Yes we are. While practicing the theory in class rooms, we feel a lot of differences from the behaviouralistic pattern. Mainly we concentrate on the process of class room experiences. All the process of attaining knowledge and construction is evaluated continuously. Hence Continuous and Comprehensive Evaluation is part of our evaluation system.

In order to implement the constructive paradigm, we use certain techniques and methods. The transaction methods include seminar, assignment, project, group discussion, field trip, debate, brainstorming, interview, interactive sessions etc. In between these methods and techniques, how do we use Information Communication Technology? Is it possible to use E-content or Interactive Multimedia Learning Objects in our class rooms? These are the queries frequently raised by Kerala teachers when ever we start with a discussion about Information Communication Technology.

What do you think about the query? Constructivism is a theoretical platform for knowledge construction. No mentors told that a fixed method or a set of methods are the only way to construct knowledge. There are several ways to gather information. All gathered information are processed and applied it if there is a chance to apply them. Information Communication Technology is one among the various ways. Consider it as a tool to gather information as just you use interview as a tool. Processing of the available information is important in deciding what knowledge you should have attain.

Internet, video, audio files, animations, films….everything can use in class room purposes. There is a possibility to use different media in a learning object which help the learners to achieve more fruitfully.

The major issue lies in developing the multi media package is How to make more child friendly, interactive and constructive Learning Objects. This is a challenge before the Instructional Designers. A thorough thought is a must while designing such packages for constructivist paradigm. All packages for constructivist class rooms would be a tool to interact in class rooms and to support the process of knowledge construction.