Constructivism is a learning theory which is based on the process of constructing meaning in learning. Unlike the behaviorist view of a learner, a constructivist views the learner as one who is active in the process of learning and brings with them into the learning environment knowledge which they have previously acquired (Jonassen, 1999). According to Ertmer and Newby (2013), the basic stance of constructivism is that new information learned is linked to prior knowledge which brings with it learner opinions and biases. Vygotsky (1978) and Bruner (1996, p 19) also contributed to constructivism and revealed their belief that a learner has different interpretations and has constructed meaning whether accurate or not and brings this information
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The effectiveness of constructivism in the game-based learning environment can be seen through technology which is used with learners in an effort to allow them to make meaning from learning through interaction with the resources and curricula used (Ertmer & Newby, 2013). The constructivist learning theory suggests that the learner is to interpret and process what they are learning and construct their own meaning. Similarly, the game based environment involves the learner being active in their learning and also encourages reflection of their learning process (Iskander, 2014). This means that the learner spends time doing and participating in activities and reflecting and rethinking their actions in the process of learning. This process enables the learner to draw from previous experience and knowledge and integrate these experiences with the new information (Sicilia et al., 2011). According to Sicilia (2011), the constructivist model supports the process of e-learning including game based learning and encourages collaboration and conversations between educators and learners. Additionally, game based learning supports this learning theory through design as learners are engaged in processes of learning which are organized and structured and …show more content…
In a constructivist model the role of the learner is one where the learner utilizes self-regulation and takes control of their learning. As a learner does this, they remain actively engaged in the learning process, take risks, and uses guided discovery to experience new learning (Rowe & Rafferty, 2013). Collaboration and communication are also essential for an online learner to possess in order to clear up inconsistencies in their learning and look beyond their own opinions and views (Koohang, 2009). The constructivist theory reinforces the premise that learners need e-learning content to be effective and encompass various informational resources, knowledge tools and tools useful for communication and collaboration (Iskander, 2014). According to Sicilia (2011), within the instructional design of an e-learning program utilizing video games, it is important to ensure that good teaching methodologies are used and the constructivist model encourages educators to tailor their teaching methods and strategies to the learner as they encourage them to actively analyze, interpret, and predict information in the learning process. Under this model educators must promote dialogue among other learners
The effectiveness of constructivism in the game-based learning environment can be seen through technology which is used with learners in an effort to allow them to make meaning from learning through interaction with the resources and curricula used (Ertmer & Newby, 2013). The constructivist learning theory suggests that the learner is to interpret and process what they are learning and construct their own meaning. Similarly, the game based environment involves the learner being active in their learning and also encourages reflection of their learning process (Iskander, 2014). This means that the learner spends time doing and participating in activities and reflecting and rethinking their actions in the process of learning. This process enables the learner to draw from previous experience and knowledge and integrate these experiences with the new information (Sicilia et al., 2011). According to Sicilia (2011), the constructivist model supports the process of e-learning including game based learning and encourages collaboration and conversations between educators and learners. Additionally, game based learning supports this learning theory through design as learners are engaged in processes of learning which are organized and structured and …show more content…
In a constructivist model the role of the learner is one where the learner utilizes self-regulation and takes control of their learning. As a learner does this, they remain actively engaged in the learning process, take risks, and uses guided discovery to experience new learning (Rowe & Rafferty, 2013). Collaboration and communication are also essential for an online learner to possess in order to clear up inconsistencies in their learning and look beyond their own opinions and views (Koohang, 2009). The constructivist theory reinforces the premise that learners need e-learning content to be effective and encompass various informational resources, knowledge tools and tools useful for communication and collaboration (Iskander, 2014). According to Sicilia (2011), within the instructional design of an e-learning program utilizing video games, it is important to ensure that good teaching methodologies are used and the constructivist model encourages educators to tailor their teaching methods and strategies to the learner as they encourage them to actively analyze, interpret, and predict information in the learning process. Under this model educators must promote dialogue among other learners