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<\/p>\nApologies for the late post, and thanks in advance for understanding. Here is my contribution to the TELE Synthesis forum:<\/p>\n
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In reflecting on the four different TELEs for this module, it’s clear that the constructivist approach and inquiry based nature of all four is central to their pedagogy. One of the many benefits of this is the fact that teachers have significantly more opportunities to catch the misconceptions discussed at the beginning of this course, and develop ways to have students recreate\/redefine rules for the information in front of them. The more students talk about their thinking and experiences, the more they elaborate on why and how things work the way they do. Should any problematic understandings come to light, teachers can either scaffold to help them adjust their misconceptions, or present them with data that proves their thinking is problematic, and have them modify their understanding.<\/p>\n
For my own teaching practice, these different approaches help significantly in terms of resources and instructional design. The variety in the different models can help dictate how best to teach a topic; use a Jasper-like or Anchored instructional model for real-life, problem solving contexts, use an iterative T-GEM approach for inquiry and critical reflection of their thinking, etc.\u00a0These different TELEs also make me reflect on the use of technology in my classroom, and the fact that while I sometimes wish I used more technology to enrich learning, I need to continue to focus on meaningful integration. Like any other well-design materials, best practice with technology needs to be thoughtful and meaningful to be effective- all of which I feel were represented in one way or another (or in many ways!) with these TELEs.<\/p>\n
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References:<\/span><\/p>\n Biswas, G. Schwartz, D. Bransford, J. & The Teachable Agent Group at Vanderbilt (TAG-V) (2001). Technology support for complex problem solving: From SAD environments to AI. In K.D. Forbus and P.J. Feltovich (Eds.)Smart Machines in Education: The Coming Revolution in Education Technology. AAAI\/MIT Press, Menlo, Park, CA.<\/p>\n