In Unit 1, the readings were very interesting as a comparison was made between traditional learning and cognitive learning in the reading of "Traditional vs. Cognitive Learning" and in the reading of Jonassen it was delienated how constructivism links with using technology. Both the readings were very helpful in making the understand the different principles of constructivism and how constructivim links to cognitive theory. Different kinds of constructivist learning were also disc ussed such as cognitive apprenticeship (Collins et al., 1989), cognitive flexibility theory (Spiro et al.,1991), anchored instruction (CTGV, 1991), and problem-based learning (Barrows,1992).
Knowledge needs to be made meaningful and should be linked to the prior knowledge of students in order for the students to construct new knowledge. The construction of knowledge is a function of the prior experience, mental structures and beliefs that one uses to interpret objects and events. One thing which I really liked was how Jonassen linked the uses of technology with constructivist and how different features of different technologies allow the students to construct knowledge. This is something which we know but it helps if someone just spells it out for you.
Interesting and relevant readings till now.
Yasira
