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Twenty First Century DB4 Name Class Date Professor

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Twenty First Century DB4 Teachers should revise their practices to adopt a more constructivist viewpoint in order to better prepare them for a constantly changing skill set that is driven by the changes in technology. Constructivism is a point of view where students build their own understanding of the content based on past knowledge and experience and personal reflection. This allows the student to question the material, explore their own ideas of the content, and make assessments of the content. Instead of the teacher lecturing to the students and expecting them to retain the material, the constructivist teacher encourages the students to explore the content to develop their own knowledge (Concept to Technology, 2004). In a new technological age it is essential that the students have the ability to explore solutions when challenges surface with the new technology. In order to have this ability they need to be encouraged in the learning environment to assimilate to a new technological society and obtain the skills that will lead to their success. Educators have to focus on teaching the concepts covered on standardized tests by which their schools are measured but that does not mean that students cannot gain an understanding of the necessary material through the use of constructivism. Because technology is transforming the world it also needs to transform the classroom. Teachers will not need to be instructors but will also provide students with the skills to successfully interact and collaborate in the new information age (McKenzie, 2000). This would require the active participation of both the student and the teacher. Technology is constantly changing and evolving but being able to instruct students using new technological tools will change how the instructional design is approached. Students will gain the

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necessary critical thinking skills and understanding of technological processes while gaining the necessary education to be successful in an academic environment.

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References Concept to Classroom. (2004). What is constructivism? Retrieved January 19, 2012 from http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/constructivism/index.html McKenzie, W. (2000). Are you a Techno Constructivist. Retrieved January 19, 2012 from http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech005.shtml