1. Contextual Learning or Constructionism “Becoming one with the phenomenon under study” Is it possible in all situations? Is it possible in all situations? Can all learning be done in context? Can all learning be done in context? Is it reasonable to expect this of a school system? Is it reasonable to expect this of a school system? Does technology really allow us to explore other contexts efficiently and effectively? Does technology really allow us to explore other contexts efficiently and effectively?

2. BIG verses WIG learning in Constructionism (Perkin, 1992) BIG – “beyond the information given” BIG – “beyond the information given” Teaching through direct instruction, then allowing for exploration and for thought oriented activities to support this information Teaching through direct instruction, then allowing for exploration and for thought oriented activities to support this information WIG – “without the information given” WIG – “without the information given” Holding back on directed instruction of the ‘official’ information and allowing for students to find out everything on their own at first Holding back on directed instruction of the ‘official’ information and allowing for students to find out everything on their own at first WHAT are the pros and cons to both? WHAT are the pros and cons to both?

3. Are we becoming too dependent on technology to teach our children? What are our children missing out on with the advancement of technology?

4. The problem with directed learning is that children acquire “inert knowledge” which is information one can express but not use (Wikipedia, 2009). “ Learners commonly know far more in a passive sense than they ever muster in realistic contexts of application. Although its ‘there for the quiz’ the knowledge otherwise disappears into the attic of unused memories” (Perkins, 1992, p 45) Much like memorizing for a test VS learning the material How we learned….

5. References Perkins, D.N. (1992). Technology meets constructivism: Do they make a marriage? In T. Duffy & D, Jonassen (Ed.), Constructivism and the technology of instruction: a conversation (pp. 45 -56). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Perkins, D.N. (1992). Technology meets constructivism: Do they make a marriage? In T. Duffy & D, Jonassen (Ed.), Constructivism and the technology of instruction: a conversation (pp. 45 -56). Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Ackermann, E. Piaget’s Constructivism, Papert’s Constructionism: What’s the difference? Retrieved May 20, 2009 from http://learning.media.mit.edu/content/publications/E A.Piaget%20_%20Papert.pdf Ackermann, E. Piaget’s Constructivism, Papert’s Constructionism: What’s the difference? Retrieved May 20, 2009 from http://learning.media.mit.edu/content/publications/E A.Piaget%20_%20Papert.pdf