ICT as a constructive tool

 ICT as a constructive tool can be defined as the application that helps learners maneuver information, visualize one’s understanding and construct their own knowledge based on their previous knowledge and experiences. Students can use constructive tools to work cooperatively and construct a shared understanding of new knowledge. Some of the examples of constructive tools are electronic bulletin board, simulation, multimedia authoring tools, social networking sites (blog, face book, twitter, etc.)

Constructive believes that learning happens through personal construction of meaning by the learners. The learners construct meaning through experiences and that meaning is influenced by the interaction of prior knowledge and new events. Through use of constructive tools, we can use different applications such as concept map, word, spread sheet and PowerPoint.

After learning about constructive tool, we were asked to create a PowerPoint simulation on advertising of our own village. It was bit challenging at first. I took so much time to create a simple simulation but as I go on exploring it was quit interesting. It helped me in exploring the different animation features on PowerPoint and build interest in constructing my own learning.

Constructive tools in teaching and learning can be integrated in many ways. Some of the methods to integrate constructive tools are as follows;

•   Teachers can teach/deliver the lesson through new ways using constructive tools (simulation, PowerPoint, spreadsheet, etc.)
• It can be used by teachers for assessing student’s learning by providing feedback and comments.
•    Applications like PowerPoint and spreadsheet helps learners in building new knowledge on their prior knowledge. 
•   Letting students to explore basic technology tool to create a brainstorm or concept map for their work or any other subject matter.

Constructive tools are widely used in our college. The tutors teach us using the projector in PowerPoint, spreadsheet and Microsoft word. Likewise, the students also use these applications to design assignments and homework. In addition, it triggers constructive learning by helping learners to adopt, explore and practice.