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