Exploring How Technology Complements Constructivism Using a Lesson Plan

Abstract

Constructivism approach to learning is known to support multiple perspectives in interpretations of reality, knowledge construction and context rich, experience based activities. Technology comes in handy to offer incredible amounts of information and tools for creativity and development as well as diverse environments and communication forums where students can build knowledge in an engaged setting. However, technophobia has been reported among teachers as inhibiting integration of technology in the classroom. Teachers feel confident about their knowledge of the pedagogy. They are also confident about their knowledge of the content but less confident when it comes to technology knowledge. There are many models of instruction informed by constructivist theories to implement technology into teaching. These models do not demonstrate how a teacher can develop a lesson plan using the Constructivist Learning Perspective and integrate technology in the plan particularly using SAMR Model of technology integration. This paper explores how technology can be used to complement constructivism approach to learning as part of building teacher’s confidence in using technology in the classroom. This will be possible through developing a lesson plan and using the Substitution Augmentation Modification Redefinition Model (SAMR) technology integration model. Fifteen (15) PhD students taking a course in education in May- August 2016 were engaged in developing a lesson plan based on constructivism approach to learning and they were required to use SAMR model of ICT integration in order to demonstrate how technology complements constructivism. The SMAR supports and allows trainers and teachers to plan, develop, and infuse learning experiences that utilize technology in their teaching. Specific practices in the lesson plan that specified tasks to be done using cognitive terminology such as classify, analyze, predict and create, coupled with various levels of technology integration model enabled students to explore learning.