Constructivist Values and Emerging Technologies: Transforming Classrooms into Learning Environments

The educational problem that this paper addresses is how to summarize the constructivist framework reflected in student-centered learning approaches, in a way that provides educators with manageable guidelines for transforming classrooms into computer-supported learning environments. Fourteen values that summarize the constructivist framework are listed and briefly defined: active engagement; authenticity; collaboration; community; complexity; generativity; multiple perspectives; ownership; personal autonomy; personal relevance; pluralism; reflectivity; self-regulation; and transformation. It is suggested that the values provide a basis for evaluating instructional strategies aimed at fostering higher-order thinking skills and positive disposition toward learning, and that the values may lead to a set of guidelines for developing a wide variety of learning environments. Two figures illustrate the contemporary values of educational technology and constructivist values for developing higher-order thinking skills. (Contains 30 references.) (Author/MAS)