Subject: RE: IFETS-DISCUSS Digest - 19 Jan 2000 to 20 Jan 2000
From: Smith, Donald S (Donald.S.Smith@usa.xerox.com)
Date: Fri 21 Jan 2000 - 14:24:17 MET
Date: Fri, 21 Jan 2000 08:24:17 -0500 From: "Smith, Donald S" <Donald.S.Smith@usa.xerox.com> Subject: RE: IFETS-DISCUSS Digest - 19 Jan 2000 to 20 Jan 2000
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Bob Leamnson wrote that the constructivist theory that "we build our own
knowledge is almost a tautology". While it does seem needless to say, on the
surface, in my experience, the reason it can't be said enough is that so
much curriculum is based on behaviorist theory. To many curriculum designers
believe that all they have to do is disclose information and ask the student
to regurgitate it. They believe that teaching is simply pouring information
into the students head. When one begins to adhere to the simple belief that
the student must build knowledge, then one may begin to devise curriculum
that assists in the building rather than simply conveying information.
This is especially important in computer based curriculum. At least with
instructor led curriculum no matter how behavioral and uninspiring the
curriculum might be the teacher still has the opportunity to help the
student build knowledge. The Socratic dialogue that ensues as a teacher
adjusts their input to the learners knowledge building process is
invaluable. This opportunity is lost as we employ new technologies to
deliver teacherless curriculum.
Therefore, to me, the most perplexing issue as we use new technologies to
deliver asynchronous curriculum with computers is to find ways to help
students build their knowledge rather than just dumping facts into their
heads.
Don Smith
Service and Customer,
Documentation and Training
Development Manger,
Xerox corporation
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