The constructivist model and the new technologies, applied to the learning process

Abstract

The constructivist theory focuses on meaningful learning through activities based on experiences rich in context. Constructivism offers a new model for this new era of information, resulting from the new technologies which have been developed in recent years. With the arrival of these technologies (wikis, social networks, blogs, etc.), students not only have a world of immediate, unlimited information within their reach, but also the possibility of controlling for themselves the direction of their learning. This article examines the link between the effective use of the new technologies and the constructivist theory, exploring how information technologies supply applications which, used in the learning process, result in an exceptional experience of learning for the individual in building knowledge. Changing the traditional scheme of the classroom, where pen and paper are the main protagonists, and establishing a new style, where the same tools are found but adding the applications of the new technologies, means a new way of learning, which creates a unique experience for students to build their knowledge. The central point of this study is the analysis of how the new technologies as constructivist tools intervene in the process of learning.