According to Jonassen (n.d.), “modern constructivist environments are technology-based.” The following technological tools have been used in this lesson to help students engage in meaningful and collaborative activities.
Students tools
- Tool for students to find resources in order to build knowledge and access experts
Zunal.com is a WebQuest generator tool. Sign-up is free providing one WebQuest at this level. A fee of $20 for three years allows up to 50 WebQuests as well as added features. The site offers a step-by-step template with guiding questions and examples to help you create a pedagogically sound WebQuest. Typhoon WebQuest
- Tool for Collaboration
Wikispaces is free for educators. It offers a collaborative space for students to work, which is a key feature of constructivist learning. A relatively new feature is “projects.” A teacher can set up a project space with individual group assignments. Each group then has their own space to work collaboratively. This can be set for privacy if desired. Project
- Tool for Reflection
Blogging is a growing trend in education. Kidblog is a student friendly (and safe) space for students to blog. The blogs can be completely private with just teacher viewing, or opened up to a class, school, or the wider public. Students have an account within the greater class account.
Teacher Assessment Tools
Evernote can be used for anecdotal assessment. It allows notes, photos, and voice recording. Notes taken from mobile technology are synched with the account and can be accessed from any computer. Teachers set up their own account and can have files for each student.