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= [|] [|Constructivist Curriculum] = Issue 2 Fall 2010 Constructivist Curricular Approaches & Technology Constructivist learning involves active learning where students are exploring adding to their existing knowledge, then finding new questions and paths to investigate.

The role of the teacher in a constructivist classroom is that of a facilitator rather than a lecturer. (Sudzina, 1997). The word facilitate is used to describe the process in which they guide the students into learning, without a predetermined amount of knowledge that the student is to grasp (Wright and Grenier, 2009). The teacher observes the students, supplies feedback and keeps the students on track and focused. They are a vital part of the constructivist classroom, because they have to also provide assessments for student work. This is not easy, because this learning process/theory depends greatly on the students being able to make connections and construct knowledge based on personal experiences and prior knowledge (Rogoff, 1990). Because no two students construct knowledge the same way, the teacher has to be aware of the students strengths and weaknesses as well as their prior knowledge. The role of the student in a constructivist classroom is that of a researcher, teacher, learner and peer. This puts a great deal of ownership on the student in the overall learning process. Constructivism contends that students are an active participant in the learning process (Mayo, 2004). In many traditional classrooms, the students receive the information in various forms. In the constructivist classroom, they have to search for the information, and ultimately construct their knowledge based on the connection between what they have recently discovered/learned and what they previously knew. Snyder and McWilliam stated that students should be engaged in work that promotes problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, and reflection (1999). These areas of the learning process are enhanced when students can actively construct their knowledge rather than passively being given their knowledge (Wright and Grenier, 2009). Computers enable students to actively learn. They can search for information and have access to organizations’ and experts’ data. They have a connection to real data, that isn’t filtered through the teacher. The Internet allows students to take any path that they want to find their answer, or to study another subject. They are able to search other areas that relate to the original material through links. WebQuests:According to WebQuest.Org, "A WebQuest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all the information that learners work with comes from the web." The student is in charge of finding information.
 * Role of the teacher:**
 * Role of the student:**
 * Computers:**

A Wikispace is used in a constructivist way in order to allow students to colloborate and construct understanding using higher level thinking skills. Students will collaborate with groups on assigned processes within the Webquest. Students will also review other group task responses, such as PowerPoint and YouTube Video posted to the Wikispace by analyzing and provided feedback through discussion for each group.
 * Wikispace:**