Week 4: Directed or Constructivist Approach?

In this lecture, we were introduced to two learning theories; behaviourism and constructivism. These two learning theories have different underlying concept from one another. The approach used in behaviourism is directed approach while constructivism uses the constructivist approach.

What is Direct Instruction/Directed Approach?

Direct instruction is a theory of education which posits that the most effective way to teach is by explicit, guided instructions. This method of teaching directly contrasts other styles of teaching, which might be more passive or encourage exploration. It is a very common teaching strategy, relying on strict lesson plans and lectures with little or no room for variation. Direct instruction does not include activities like discussion, recitation, seminars, workshops, case studies, or internships.

http://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/methods/models/direct/

What is Constructivist Approach

Constructivists (Von Glaserfeld, 1990) advocate models for learning based on the belief that students construct their own knowledge and understanding. The basis for learning is the set of all prior experience and the derived knowledge and understanding. As students learn, they constantly engage in the process of revising their prior learning based on new experience.

http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/content/cntareas/science/sc4const.htm

We were then asked to find some websites for learning science. We need to classify these websites to constructivist or directed approach. The websites that we have were as follow:

Directed Approach:

http://www.instructorweb.com/science.asp

Constructivist Approach:

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities.html

Both Approaches:

http://www.tryscience.org/

While doing this task, I realized that these two approaches have their own advantages and disadvantages. Directed approach may seem mundane, but this approach may help teachers to convey knowledge more directly when students cannot figure out the concept or knowledge that they are expected to learn. Constructivist approach may cause students to be confused because they are expected to learn by “discovering” the knowledge, but this approach may also help students to practice learning by themselves. It also can make students eager to find the knowledge that they are expected to learn.

I also like the idea of using websites in the internet to learn. There are so many websites that can be used to teach science, teachers should be able to utilize these websites for the benefit of the students and for themselves. Rather than creating materials for each single class, teachers can use website as the teaching materials.

All and all, I suggest that teachers use both of these approaches rather than using just one approach. It would be better if they can integrate one approach to another, teaching and learning process would be so much easier. I hope that I can be a teacher that can use both of these approaches in my future class.

Week 3- AI & VR

On the 3^rd week of the lecture, we were introduced to the terms and the parts in a computer. We learned about the hardware, software and the components in a computer. We were also introduced to the term Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR). Artificial Intelligence is the science and engineering of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs. It is related to the similar task of using computers to understand human intelligence, but AI does not have to confine itself to methods that are biologically observable (John McCarthy, 2007). Virtual Reality is an artificial environment created with computer hardware and software and presented to the user in such a way that it appears and feels like a real environment (WEBOPEDIA).

After that, we were divided into 4 groups, my group members are Umar Fikri, Anuar and Halimah. We were asked to prepare a Power Point presentation about AI and VR. These two things were new and quite popular recently. We need to find out on how teachers can use them in teaching and learning process. My group needs to find out about Virtual Reality (VR). We googled about VR and take the related information for the presentation.

As I was doing this task, I realized the limitless potential this technology can offer to the education field. As an example, using VR, students are no longer required to find and dissect a real frog just to see its anatomy. Instead, they can just use VR to look into the anatomy of a frog without having to kill it. That’s the beauty of VR, learning about the environment without having to go out to the real places. Everything seems to be easier and “animal friendly” as we do not have to “kill” them for the name of learning. VR can also create the environment that we wish to explore. VR can manipulate 2 to 3 of our senses to make the “virtual environment” more realistic.

I also listen to my friends’ presentation about Artificial Intelligence (AI). It is a technology that can almost think for itself, it imitates the “brain” of a human and respond like one too. Sometimes when we were playing with AI, we forgot that they were only a computer program. The potential of AI are also limitless. The “brain” that can respond to human without being tired can be used simultaneously in class. There will be no human factor such as fatigue in teaching. AI can operate continuously as long as the computer can handle it. Students can play with AI for hours without being bored.

These two technologies without doubt will play an important role in education field. Teachers will use them in everyday teaching and learning process. The boundary of “the limit” will be crossed with these technologies. What more can stop learning when we can even “go” to the centre of the earth without giving a sweat about it? “Going” to the Nebula or Milky Way wont be farther than going to school. Learning would be so much fun and students would gather knowledge in more interesting way that the traditional-text-book way. I really hope that I can use these technologies in my future classroom. Teaching and learning process would be so much meaningful and enjoyable for the students and for me.