Constructionism?!
After reading more information on constructionism and looking more at webquest I feel that I will use some of this type of learning within my classroom. I think it is a great way for students to think creatively at solving problems that is asked of them. For instance, in the example they put in the article on the second link we were took look at about the elementary kids and measuring the length of the Mayflower. I think that it is important for those students to figure out a way to accomplish the task with knowledge they have instead of just giving them the one way of the ruler. I think this option brings out their creativity and problem solving skills, which is important in their young life. It will help them to grow and be able to adapt to their surroundings as they go through life and become more independent. I think it is important though to be able to tell them the simple idea of the ruler to measure. I think this could be brought about maybe after everyone has completed the task and have everyone share how they did it or ways in which they thought of that could be done. I think it is important to give them knowledge in clear-cut facts but also let them be able to think for themselves and let their mind wander. Therefore, I do not think this should be a controversial. I can see why some could be against they idea. I guess this aspect of learning should be limited and not the total style of teaching. I believe some assignments should show constructionism but others should be taught, and I could see why it is controversial.
I think that technology intervention and constructionism are closely intertwined because this type of learning style requires the individual to ask a question and then answer it. The Internet is a good way to gather information and analyze it to reach a decision. Also, as it was mentioned webquest is a constructionism site, so teachers would use the Internet to find different projects they can present to their students. There are so many sites on the Internet and some are made by users like you and I, while others a formed by businesses or experts in a particular field. One than has to be able to identify/analyze the material they find and because of knowledge they already have to determine which would be a good source.
I think that constructionism would be very useful in a classroom in some aspects of the learning that would be done and an elementary classroom. But I do not believe that it is right for all classrooms and should be used and the only teaching style.
