bianca

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Harel, I. (2003). Sand castles go digital. Retrieved August 4, 2006 at:
http://www.mamamedia.com/areas/grownups/new/21_learning/sand_castles.html

I read the article “sand castles go digital” by Idit Harel, which outlines the idea of constructivism. This I found such an interesting and valid theory, especially for primary school children. During the first years of primary school, gaining children’s enthusiastic and concentration can often be the most challenging aspect of teaching. Harel points out that,” children learn best when they are in the active roles of designer and constructor”. Allowing children to take charge and play an active role in their learning, they will become excited and see the relevance of learning experiences. Even more so children will remember the activities and new knowledge. If children are active learners and are able to become lost in the activity and forget they are learning, then constructivism is taking its tole. I love the example that Idit gives of children playing with sandcastles and making a learning experience at the same time. This can be achieved in the classroom too, by allowing children to become engaged in learning tasks by giving them a role and opportunity to make discussions, explore, create and discover. However unlike sandcastles being washed away and forgotten, Idit reminds the reader that children can publish their work on line for the world to enjoy. “The Net, for example, offers a wide-open learning environment in which children can explore the world, express themselves, save their creations, revise and refine them over time and exchange ideas in ways that were simply not possible in the past” I really enjoy the idea that through constructiveness children can learn and play at the same time, making education seem so much more appealing and relevant to young children. I can remember as a child that if I were told to sit down and listen, as soon as I walked out of the classroom, I would forget what was said. If I had the opportunity to make choices, discover and explore learning I would remember it for sure.

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i think that Alissa raises an exceptional point, that technology is so challenging and can lead to so many frustrations and yet teachers are expected to teach children to engage in it. however, after prac and doing various subjects in e-learning, i have become very motivated to try and include technology in my classroom. yes we may loose work or not be able to master particular skills but isn’t that with everything. when learning to ride a bike u fall off, graze your knee or even brake a few bones but we always get back on and practice. when learning to drive, you start slow, stall or even crash but most people can now drive. its exactly the same as technology!!! you make mistakes, loose your work or spend a long time on one area but with time and practice u will become an expert. unlike a bike or car, computers don’t brake or fall apart…. there is room for errors. i do know how frustrating it can be loosing assignments and work because my partner and i lost how whole LAMS task and had to redo the entire thing. looking back i wanted to smash the computer up, but now that we have redone the task i have got back on the cyber bicycle.