Co-constructive Tool

Co-construction is a distinctive approach where the emphasis is on collaborative work which includes interactional process such as cooperation and coordination among the learners. Learners can use co-constructive tools to work cooperatively to develop knowledge instead of working individually. Co-constructive tool are applications that support the construction of knowledge through a shared understanding that is collaboratively consolidating ideas. It in fact supports the constructivist and social constructivist paradigms of constructive learning.

Co-constructive tool includes Google docs, electronic whiteboard, blogs and wiki, discussion forum like Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that we use are some of the examples of tools which we can use to co-construct our knowledge. I felt, it is imperative to integrate such tool in the field of education and educate students on such tool to create an avenue for the learners for collaborative work whereby they can co-edit other’s work, communicate to share ideas which in turn promote collaborative learning. In a way, learners are involved in series of cognitive process like explanation, problem finding and problem solving. Here, learning becomes more active and intentional as students participate to edit, refine and construct their work.

Co-construction is the concept that students can use to help them learn from one another and expand their knowledge. One way of effective co-construction is through the use of Google docs. For example, working collaboratively on creating lesson plan via Google docs. It was quite interesting and a new experience for me to work on assignment collaboratively with my group members. It was very helpful as it created active interaction among the members, whereby we were able to generate new knowledge through shared understanding, formative feedbacks, discussion, and editing friend’s work on the spot. Moreover, I found myself commenting, providing feedbacks, and receiving formative feedbacks from the group members as well which helped us to produce a good quality lesson plan. 

The most interesting thing about this tool is we need not have to come together physically rather we can do it from anywhere. Not only does co-construction among learners assist them to learn better but it also help them to develop relationship with peers and teachers. Facebook and blog is another way of using co-constructive tool where participant post and comment one another’s work which helps to improve the quality of work. For example, posting a video on Facebook and publishing blog helped me not only to refine my post after receiving formative feedbacks from the tutor and mates but also I found myself supplementing and providing feedbacks on my friends work enhancing collaborative teaching and learning.

I believe ICT serve as a teacher’s tool in the sense that the teacher use ICT tools as their instructional materials in supplementing the cognitive development of the learners. It has a great advantage for both the teacher and the learners; for educator it facilitate their instructional methods and for the learners it contributes a lot in their learning experiences. Thus, ICT tools are also transformational tools which, when used appropriately, can promote the shift to a learner centered environment.

The link given below will take you through the lesson plan that we worked on collaboratively using Google Docs
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mZVDbw4iaTHLMQaq8bUqUID2Xk92jn_SJWd6QAKIDec/edit?ts=5eb4329b

Video on ICT tools that promote Constructivism

Constructive tool

With the rapid development in technology, the traditional method of teaching do not suits today’s learners. Therefore, ICT should be integrated in the lesson to match the taste of the digital natives. Learning is effective when the learners construct their own knowledge based on their prior knowledge and experiences. One of the components of ICT that help learners to construct their own knowledge is through constructive tools. It is a tool whereby learners manipulate information, visualize one’s understanding and construct one’s own knowledge. Thus, it constitute a shift from teacher to learner centred whereby learners explore on their own to construct knowledge based on their prior knowledge.

Simulation using PowerPoint tool

Constructive tool such as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint in the form of memos, reports, presentation, record routine information and many others has a strong impact in the field of education. Utilization of such tools not only help the learners to present their work in an attractive form and construct meanings but also helps in learning second language. Microsoft Word helps us to make correct sentences and texts as well as modern word processors which includes spell checking and dictionaries and grammar checkers. PowerPoint is one of the constructive tool, where learners can use their creativity to construct their own knowledge. For example, designing PowerPoint simulated advertisement on my village to attract tourist was difficult for me at the beginning. Though I had a basic knowledge on designing PowerPoint presentation it wasn’t enough to create a PowerPoint simulated advertisement. Nevertheless, through self-exploration and watching videos on different features available in Powerpoint presentation especially animation features helped me to create one of my own simulated advertisement. Thus, constructing knew knowledge based on my prior knowledge and experiences through exploration.

I realized that using constructive tool in teaching and learning environment help the learners to become more independent and responsible for their own learning. I was less dependent on my tutor as I did my own work even in the absence of tutor through exploration which helped me in constructing my own learning. It generate new ways of teaching and learning through technology indicating a shift from teacher to learner centered pedagogy where learners are actively engaged in learning on their own. It’s a self-directed learning where it breaks the monotonous ways of teaching and learning. In line with that the use of constructive tools help the learners to have better retention of knowledge for a longer period of time as they get hands on practices.

Traditional teaching has been now replaced by ICT integration. So I feel that it is important to learn skills to operate those constructive tools especially for future teacher like us. We can provide multiple means of presenting information to meet the needs of diverse learners. I found that constructive tool is very interesting and engaging where students get to explore through different tools to construct their own knowledge and also helps to keep the learners engage in the lesson. Unlike the teaching in normal class we can integrate constructive tool in our lessons by manipulating information and planning the lesson in different forms which will not only help us to convey the concept in comprehensible manner but also help the learners to learn in a better way.

A short clip from my simulation advertisement on Thimphu dzongkhag