edtech 504 peer review by angie kruzich

Upload: angie-kruzich

Post on 01-Jun-2018

215 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

  • 8/9/2019 EdTech 504 Peer Review by Angie Kruzich

    1/15

    1

    Applications of Constructivism in Online Learning Communities  

    Kimberly Hefty 

    Ed Tech 504 

    Synthesis Paper  

    Reviewed by: Angie Kruzich 

    “Education is everybody’s business –  the individual, the organization, and the nation state”

    (Gokool-Ramdoo, 2008, p.13) 

    Abstract 

    Using a social-constructivist approach, educators must respond to recent advancement of

    technology following the invention of the Internet, using online learning along with the

     promotion of online learning communities to accommodate modern students. In order to best

    meet the ever changing needs of a modern, technologically savvy student educators must analyze

    emerging theories such as transactional distance theory.

    Keywords:  constructivism, social constructivism educational technology, online learning,

    learning communities, Transactional Distance Theory (TDT)  

    Introduction: 

    The history of educational technology includes all inventions in the progression of tools used to

     promote learning. Though seemingly insignificant, the introduction of the pencil to classrooms

    caused groundbreaking changes in education. Today, educators are faced with the task of

    responding to another major shift in technology, the rise of online learning. In the past 10 years

    there has been a significant increase in the use of the Internet as both a technology and an

    educational tool. Since the invention of the Internet, web-literacy has continued to grow among

    the general population, allowing for tremendous progress in educational technology. As the

    definition of education expands to include online learning, educators must expand their pedagogy to accommodate this shift. However, it is important that educators maintain a social

    support structure for students despite the transition from a physical classroom setting to a virtual

    Comment [1]: Angie Kruzich: the abstracts I saw had this in Italics? 

    Comment [2]: Angie Kruzich: You have some spacing issues throughout thepaper. They may have been a conversionproblem...if not see comments in paper. Likehere I would tighten the space between title aparagraph like we learned in 502. 

    Comment [3]: Angie Kruzich: insignificant for today's standards, 

    Comment [4]: Angie Kruzich: comma not needed 

  • 8/9/2019 EdTech 504 Peer Review by Angie Kruzich

    2/15

    2

    setting. The constructivist approach to education accommodates both the necessity of social

    interaction in learning and individualist nature of modern learning. In response to the recent shift

    in technology and educational pedagogical trends, educators should use Social Constructivism as

    a guide to expanding student-learning possibilities while also encouraging the use of online

    learning communities to foster collaboration in order to meet the modern student’s full spectrum

    of needs. 

    Constructi vism and Social Constructivism  

    Constructivism is a theory of education. In Constructivist theory, knowledge is considered to be

    uniquely constructed by the individual as opposed to acquired from an outside source. In order

    for the individual to construct knowledge, the individual must engage in interactions the learning

    environment they inhabit, as well other learners within that environment. The individual must

    then filter through all of the information they acquire in order to construct new knowledge.

    Constructivism is not a single or unified theory and is based on the works of Piaget, Bruner, and

    Goodman (Ertmer & Newby, 1993 p.62). Constructivism was developed from the fields of

    cognitive science. The constructivist pedagogy is strongly influenced by the ideas of John Dewey

    and William James. The socio-historical work of Lev Vygotsky, Jerome Bruner, and Ernst von

    Glasersfeld has also had a significant impact on constructivism (Yilmaz, 2008 p.165). Although

    not all of these people collaborated, their ideas have been combined to develop a modern sense

    of constructivism.

    Constructivist theory focuses on the utilization of the scaffolding approach to learning. In

    constructivism there is an emphasis on the importance of active involvement of learners in

    constructing knowledge for themselves. The learner, or student, has a significant stake in their

    own learning. Instructors teach basic skills and gradually build up to (scaffold) more complex

     problems. Knowledge is not passively received from the world but is developed and created by

    learners trying to make sense of their experiences (Yilmaz, 2008 p.162). In social constructivism

    knowledge is not purely objective but is socially constructed and the teacher’s major role is that

    of facilitator. In constructivism, a teacher clarifies instead of informs, guides instead of directs,

    and supports a student’s effort rather than insist  on their own methodology (Jonassen & Lund,

    2000).Constructivism encourages a student to discover or explore within a given framework or

    Comment [5]: Angie Kruzich: This section needs an intro P explaining whatyou are going to discuss. You jumped right intone of the definitions. There is a paragraph onpage 8 that would be a fantastic intro. Maybeflow your ideas from constructivism to social toa little on-line intro at the end of section to heltransition to next section. Then save most on-line ref for next section since that is part of thetitle. 

    Comment [6]: Angie Kruzich: tighten spacing 

    Comment [7]: Angie Kruzich: It is a learning theory, used in education...not educational theory per say. 

    Comment [8]: Angie Kruzich: should this be capitalized or not? I would sayno, because the word isn't a proper noun. I haissues with this earlier this semester about whto do. 

    Comment [9]: Angie Kruzich: this P is a good definition! 

    Comment [10]: Angie Kruzich: interactions within 

    Comment [11]: Angie Kruzich: extra space bar? 

    Comment [12]: Angie Kruzich: This feels like a new P. And it is currently youfirst mention of social constr. Then isn'tmentioned again for a while and not often. Butitle has social in it. Maybe you can clarify whewhich is which? 

    Comment [13]: Angie Kruzich: In social constr? Within this section it would

    help to be more clear when you are discussingconstr vs social constr. 

    Comment [14]: Angie Kruzich: need a space...and is this social constr or not?If switching add the word whereas? 

  • 8/9/2019 EdTech 504 Peer Review by Angie Kruzich

    3/15

    3

    structure. The teacher acts as a facilitator who encourages students to discover principles for

    themselves and to construct knowledge by working to solve realistic problems. Learning happens

    when students make personal connections to what they are studying and share this knowledge

    with others.

    In order to apply the pedagogy of constructivism, one must explore the key constructivist

     principles. According to Williamson, “constructivism draws upon a number of philosophical and

     psychological antecedents rather than being a sharply delineated construct formulated by a

    specific theorist, there is no set definition for what constitutes constructivism” (Williamson, 2010

     p. 7). Appleton & King claim that there are five axioms to constructivism. The axioms are:

    reality and its elements, causality, unique contexts resulting in absence of generalization, the

    relationship between the researcher and the phenomena under study and the impact of values on

    the inquiry process. They attribute these axioms to the work done by Guba & Lincoln in 1982

    and 1985 (Appleton & King, 2002). In other words, constructivism promotes learning through

    experience and interaction. The more experiences and interactions a student encounters, the

    more, in theory, they will learn. These postulates provide a foundation to build pedagogical

    models. Assuming the axioms put forth by Appleton & King are accurate we can start to

    construct a working model of constructivism that can be applied to a classroom.

    If the axioms are the foundation, then the structure for a constructivist learning environment can

     be built by Fox’s key principles. First Fox summarizes that through constructivism “… learning

    is an active process.” Students must fully engage with new information then process this

    information with previous knowledge to construct and create their own understandings. Students

    must be fully engaged in order to learn. They cannot be passive in their educational experience.

    Secondly, “knowledge is constructed, rather than innate, or passively absorbed.” Constructivist

     principle asserts that students must build their knowledge through active participation. Learning

    will optimally occur when a student is fully engaged. Students can be active through solving

     problems and finding solutions, optimally within a group of learners. Thirdly, “knowledge is

    invented not discovered.” When students interact with each other and participate they are able

    create new knowledge. Socially constructed learning situations provide the opportunity for

    students to construct their own knowledge. Knowledge can then be distributed and can be shared

    among the lear ners. Fourth, “all knowledge is personal and idiosyncratic” and “is socially

    Comment [15]: Angie Kruzich: This is a run-on sentence, but I see it is a quoSo who proofed the original? I saw grammarissues in other quotes too! Maybe double che

    your source to see if it is typed correctly. 

    Comment [16]: Angie Kruzich: did this space correctly? seems tighter? 

    Comment [17]: Angie Kruzich: The constructivist principle? 

    Comment [18]: Angie Kruzich: implying social constr but you started withconstructivism only. 

    Comment [19]: Angie Kruzich: First I am unsure where to place this commen:) There are a lot of repeating definitions ofconstructivism throughout the section. Youcould take some out and not lose ideas inpaper. And this would help cut the length a bitwould also help the reader to just intro constrthen flow to social constr. Then maybe just sti

    with social thereafter as that leads to your ideathat on-line learning must maintain the socialaspect too. 

    Comment [20]: Angie Kruzich: able to create 

  • 8/9/2019 EdTech 504 Peer Review by Angie Kruzich

    4/15

    4

    constructed.” Knowledge can be constructed after an individual reflects upon previous

    knowledge then merges this new knowledge with previous knowledge. True collaboration and

    communication achieved through social interaction between learners will create lasting and more

     profound knowledge.  Fifth, “learning is essentially a process of making sense of the world.”

    Students are no longer dependent on the teacher as the main source of information. With

    constructivism, the students interact with and explore the world around them. Finally, according

    to Fox, “… effective learning requires meaningful, open-ended, challenging problems for the

    learner to solve” (Fox, 2001 p.24). The teacher must act as a facilitator, a mentor and a guide.

    The tasks put to the students must have a purpose that the students can identify with. The

     problems to solve must provoke the students to expand their way of thinking and explore new

    ways of thinking. 

    Each ideology from Fox is equally important and must be integrated for a successful educational

    experience. Students must be actively engaged and invested in their own education. Multiple

    students could have the same teacher, the same class, the same materials but the knowledge each

    student constructs may be vastly different, based on their personal pre-experiences and their

    unique interpretations of their social experience within the class. By providing students with the

    opportunity to explore and examine mater ial, in a truly open-ended fashion, no two students

    could possibly construct the same knowledge. The knowledge gained from a constructivist

    classroom will not end with the class; but will grow as the student gains more knowledge from

    the wor ld around them. 

    The emerging world of online learning creates an interesting challenge for constructivists. The

     best synthesis of social constructivism principles applied to online learning can be summarized

     by Schweizer, H., Whipp, J., & Hayslett, C. (2003). Schweizer, Whipp, and Hayslett identified

    four key principles for creating online instruction based on social constructivist theory. First, the

    instructor must create a“ complex environment[s] and authentic tasks.” To create a truly

    authentic task, the outcome should not be predetermined. The results must be allowed to

    naturally occur. Second, the instructor needs to insure “social negotiation of meaning.”

    Individuals must be able to test their cognitive constructions against one another and to gain new

    understandings from one another. This can occur as they reflect upon the variances among theirindividual conceptions. Third, and most importantly, teachers need to facilitate “ intentional

    learning communities.” Students must be encouraged and supported to work together as a

    Comment [21]: Angie Kruzich: spacing tighter? 

    Comment [22]: Angie Kruzich: no comma needed 

    Comment [23]: Angie Kruzich: 

    comma instead? 

    Comment [24]: Angie Kruzich: spacing is tighter? 

    Comment [25]: Angie Kruzich: needs a space 

  • 8/9/2019 EdTech 504 Peer Review by Angie Kruzich

    5/15

    5

    community to achieve a shared learning objectives and individual learning objectives. Fourth,

    instructors and designers of online education must provide “assistance for learners at varying

    zones of proximal develo pment” (Schweizer et all, pp.145-146). The zone of proximal

    development "is the distance between the actual development level as determined by

    independent problem solving and the level of potential development as determined through

     problem solving under adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers" (Vygotsky,

    1978). In other words, this is the range of tasks and capabilities that an individual can accomplish

    with assistance, but are unable, at this time, to perform independently. 

    Schweizer, Whipp, and Hayslett also identified the unique circumstances of the online learner:

    distance and isolation. In order to create an optimal learning environment for the online learner

    course designers and instructors must develop ways to overcome these issues. Providing

    assistance and creating multiple and varied opportunities for interaction is a critical first st ep. 

    Within constructivism there are more specific theories that lend themselves to the application of

    constructivism in education. Social constructivism is a branch of constructivist theory that asserts

    that students learn from their interactions with others as well as their individual reflection on

    those interactions. Social constructivism incorporates the aspects of Piaget’s theory that people

    learn through the integration of experience and belief and Vygotsky’s theory that the personal

     pursuit of knowledge is influenced by the context of the social situation in which they occur

    (Matthews 2003). John Dewey was a major force for progressive education and social

    constructivism (Matthews, 2003 p. 54). John Dewey insisted, “that philosophy and science are

    always embedded in the contexts of cultural practice … a world of action and interaction …”

    (Hickman, 2009). By marrying the ideas and mindsets of these contributors we create a current

    understanding of constructionist theory. According to Kala Yilmaz , “[constructivism theory] is

    characterized by plurality and multiple perspectives” (Yilmaz, 2008 p. 163). Incorporating

    social constructivism a model can be developed to approach all types of education, especially

    online education. 

    Educational Technology, Online learning and Social Constructi vism

    Comment [26]: Angie Kruzich: did you want singular or plural? 

    Comment [27]: Angie Kruzich: 

    spacing got bigger? 

    Comment [28]: Angie Kruzich: add comma 

    Comment [29]: Angie Kruzich: spacing got bigger? 

    Comment [30]: Angie Kruzich: This is the paragraph that I think would be gretowards the beginning. Maybe not the intro buwithin the 3rd paragraph right before youmention social for the first time. 

    Comment [31]: Angie Kruzich: Social constructivism can be incorporated withall types of education, especially onlineeducation.  

  • 8/9/2019 EdTech 504 Peer Review by Angie Kruzich

    6/15

    6

    In the modern classroom, technology has become both a requirement and an important

    instructional tool. Educational technologies are the tools used to enhance understanding and

    comprehension of a subject matter. Online learning is the latest popular educational technology.  

    Elaine Allen and Jeff Seaman published a report in 2007 about the growth of online lear ning,

    Online Nation. Five Years of Growth in Online learning. According to this report, online

    learning is growing at faster rate than that of traditional higher education. In 2006 twenty

     percent of all higher education students, nearly 3.5 million students, participated in at least one

    online course, causing a ten percent increase over the previous year. During this time, online

    learning grew at a rate of 9.7 percent compared to 1.5 percent for traditional higher education

    during the same time period.

    In response to the recent increase of online learning, educators must evaluate and develop

    strategies to optimize and facilitate the changing educational landscape. According to William

    Williamson, “online instruction is a rapidly changing field of teaching. Advancing instructional

    technology and an evolving body of knowledge on the pedagogy of teaching online are

    challenging instructors to continuously adapt new innovations to improve their online courses “

    (Williamson, 2010 p. 1). A Constructivist approach to these shifts in educational trends can

     provide a critical foundation for approaching online learning. In Constructivism, the goal of an

    educator is to encourage the student’s individual learning process rather than control it (Jonassen

    & Lund, 2000). Because of the already individualistic nature of Internet use and online learning,

    Constructivism and online learning are especially compatible.

    Educational technology is the study or practice of the use of technology to facilitate learning.

    Educational technology can refer to the use of various techniques to reach students such as

    "application of senses, memory, and cognition" (Garrison & Anderson, 2003). These techniques

    may be administered through a variety of mediums. Educators study the theory behind

    educational technology in order to "ethic[ally]" apply these teaching techniques and achieve

    effective results in the classroom (Garrison & Anderson, 2003). 

    Constructivist principles, specifically social constructivist principles can be applied to onlinelearning by promoting the individual through supporting their motivation to create knowledge.

    Considering constructivist principles, online learning is especially focused on the individual and

    Comment [32]: Angie Kruzich: less space? 

    Comment [33]: Angie Kruzich: Intro needs to include a reference to socialconstr. and how it relates. 

    Comment [34]: Angie Kruzich: Online learning is one of the latest educationatechnological advancements. 

    Comment [35]: Angie Kruzich: ...learning in the journal (?) Online Nation calleFive... 

    Comment [36]: Angie Kruzich: add comma 

    Comment [37]: Angie Kruzich: 

    1.5 percent growth 

    Comment [38]: Angie Kruzich: This paragraph doesn't flow with P before orafter. Either take out or connect to onlinelearning and add transitional wording. Or can later...see next comment. 

  • 8/9/2019 EdTech 504 Peer Review by Angie Kruzich

    7/15

    7

    would therefore prove to be especially internally motivating for the student. According to Swan,

    “Higher education has traditionally emphasized constructivist approaches to learning in the sense

    of individual students taking responsibility for making sense of their educational experiences”

    (Swan, 2002 p.3). As Fox asserted, learning is an active process where knowledge is created and

    invented not absorbed or discovered. The individual learner must be even more internally

    motivated when learning online. “The learner centered tenants of constructivism suggest that

    learners who are intrinsically motivated should perform well in a constructivist environment

    (Williamson, 2010 p. 7).

    Technology can be the bridge that connects constructivism principles and the modern online

    student. The constructivist principle that “all knowledge is personal and idiosyncratic” can be

    achieved with the appropriate structure . Modern online curriculums have the ability to

    individualize instruction and respond to diversity of learning cultures and motivations.  

    Student-centered learning environments are critical for constructivism and technology. They

    allow for the implication and implementation of technology. In an article by Hannafin and Land

    they assert that "Student-centered learning environments represent significant potential for

    optimizing the capabilities of both technology and learners" (Hannafin, Land 1997 p.172). To

    completely represent or define education technology we need to address and analyze our, as

    educators, approaches to education. In a traditional classroom where the teacher lectures, the

    ability to fully utilize technology is limited, often to what the students do on their own. But in a

    student-centered environment, especially an online environment, the opportunities to utilize

    technology are optimized, if not maximized.

    Learning Commun ities and Social Constructivism  

    One critical component of constructivism is the social component and the concept of the learning

    community. Dewey (1959) stated “that the educational process has two sides –  one

     psychological and one sociological; and that neither can be subordinated to the other or neglected

    without evil results following” (p. 75). A learning community can be created within the virtu alworld to benefit the individual’s learning process by combining web -based technology in order

    Comment [39]: Angie Kruzich: 

    Educational Technology. And maybe put thatdisjointed defn here? 

    Comment [40]: Angie Kruzich: can be achieved with an online coursestructure.  

    Comment [41]: Angie Kruzich: 

    doesn't flow...maybe take out as educators Comment [42]: Angie Kruzich: on their own outside of class. 

    Comment [43]: Angie Kruzich: learning 

    Comment [44]: Angie Kruzich: less space and/or be consistent for every title 

  • 8/9/2019 EdTech 504 Peer Review by Angie Kruzich

    8/15

    8

    to distribute assignments, share learning materials, and provide a route for students to

    communicate with each other. 

    The key principle of social constructivism that can determine success is the learning community.

    Learning communities are the result of student social interaction and collaboration. “Interest in

    creating a community to help facilitate and support learning has been a long-term interest for

    many educators seeking ways to enhance the learning experience for their students” (Jonassen &

    Land, 2012 p.268). By providing students with a way to respond to each other, the individual

    student’s ability to create knowledge will improve as well. Social presence is a critical aspect of

    any community, especially an online community (p.273). “Connections between members are

    the building blocks for the formation and growth of a learning community (p. 273). This

     presence is directly affected by social context, online communication, and interactivity (p.273).

    For education, the teacher whether online or in person plays a critical role in facilitating or

    creating opportunities for interaction. 

    Community-building also helps reduce or prevent feelings of isolation and alienation that often

    contribute to distance education student attrition. According to Swan, “constructivist approaches

    and community are necessary for creating and confirming meaning and are essential for

    achieving effective critical thinking. Therefore, constructivist approaches and community must

     be necessary parts of higher education” (Swan p.4). 

    Schweizer, H., Whipp, J., & Hayslett, C. specifically identified Intentional learning

    communities as a key principle for creating successful online instruction based on social

    constructivist theory (145-146). Online learning communities allow for online learning

    technologies to meet the standards of these constructivist principles. Students participating in an

    online learning experience are provided access to a space where they are given “authentic tasks”

    or assignments to complete based on specific course material and are able to engage in “social

    negotiation of meaning” by communicating with other students through chat o r forum response

    as a part of an “intentional learning communit[y]” (145-146). 

    Traditional students learn in a naturally formed social setting by communicating with each other.They can share their thoughts, and pick up on both verbal and nonverbal cues from one another.

    To compensate for the lack of physical proximity, teachers and facilitators in an online

    Comment [45]: Angie Kruzich: chat rooms? 

    Comment [46]: Angie Kruzich: This would be a good intro paragraph.  

  • 8/9/2019 EdTech 504 Peer Review by Angie Kruzich

    9/15

    9

    environment must redefine and redefine the communication opportunities and skills. A high

    degree of interaction between student and teacher is critical to the success of instruction (Desai et

    al., 1998). In a traditional classroom communication opportunities occur naturally. In an online

    environment, the instructor must act as a facilitator to promote active participation and

    communication. “Technology requires the teacher to remain active in communicating to

    students in order to maintain attention and motivation” (Desai et al., 19 98).

    Given the transition from physical classroom meeting spaces to virtual collaborative space it

    is imperative that educators employ social technological tools that promote communication such

    as texting, chat rooms, e-mail, and discussion areas to provide for a “Social Presence” (Desai et

    al, 1998). A critical aspect to social interaction in an online learning environment is providing

    opportunities for collaboration, such as group projects. Technology requires “a distinct

    interaction with learners and high technology devices” that provide “a strong interaction between

    the learner, learner/instructor, and the content as well as other learners” in the distance education

    environment (Desai et al., 1998). Educators need to develop curriculum and content “based on

    Social Constructivism where a culture is fostered by the collaboration of groups to construct

    knowledge. (Desai et al., 1998) 

    Transactional D istance Theory  

    Modern technology is rapidly changing education. There are many emerging theories that are

    helping to define and develop the sociological and psychological shifts in education. In the

    1970’s, scholars began to define distance education (Moore, 1991). In the early 1980’s,

    Transactional Distance Theory (TDT) was created (Moore, 1991). Distance education refers to

    more than just geographical distance. Distance refers to the disconnection or separation of

    understandings and perceptions that can be caused in part by the geographic distance. This

    distance must be overcome by teachers, learners and educational organizations if effective

    learning is to occur. This distance is often referred to as, “transactional distance”. TDT “…

     provides a tool that helps recognize the several distinctive issues that separate distance education

    from conventional education; helps us distinguish good practice from bad; and highlights the piecemeal and unplanned fashion in which many providing institutions operate” (Gokool-

    Ramdoo, 2008 p.11).

    Comment [47]: Angie Kruzich: twice? 

    Comment [48]: Angie Kruzich: need more space and should not be indented 

    Comment [49]: Angie Kruzich: spacing 

  • 8/9/2019 EdTech 504 Peer Review by Angie Kruzich

    10/15

    10

    TDT addresses the “variables” that exist between teachers and students in a virtual classroom:

    “the two sets of variables are labeled dialogue and structure” (Moore, 1991 p.4). “Dialogue

    describes the interaction between the teacher and learner when one gives instruction and the

    other responds” (Moore, p.4). The second set of variables that determine transactional distance

    are elements in the course design; they are the ways in which the teaching program is structured

    so that it can be delivered through the various methods, such as online. The issues of dialogue

    and design are not unique to distance education. These are issues for all educators, in almost

    every setting. Utilizing and maximizing technology to create better connections can benefit all

    learners.

    Conclusion  

    “What deter mines the success of distance teaching is the extent to which the institution and the

    individual instructor are able to provide the appropriate opportunity for, and quality of,

    dialogue between teacher and learner, as well as appropriately structured learning materials”

    (Moore, 1991 p. 5) 

    By adapting and interacting multiple pedagogical models and technology educators can facilitate

    and optimize learning in the modern era. When used properly, technology can offer a multitudeof options for higher-level thinking, creative problem solving, and meaningful learning. Online

    education is one of the fastest areas of growth in the world of education. Educational models and

    theory need to adapt to the new advances in technology, specifically of the Internet and World

    Wide Web. Constructivist theories of learning usually incorporate teaching strategies that

    require learners to collaborate, communicate, explore, and reflect. “Constructivist approaches

    and community are necessary for creating and confirming meaning and are essential for

    achieving effective critical thinking” (Swan).

    The roles of both the teacher and of a student are also changing. Teachers need to construct

    environments that provoke and challenge students. Students must actively seek out interactionsand reinforcement. In order to accommodate the modern student and utilize new technologies,

    educators must utilize social constructivist theory of learning to promote the success of the

    Comment [50]: Angie Kruzich: ok, you told me we shouldn't start with aquote...but I think this is a good way to startconcl! 

    Comment [51]: Angie Kruzich: add comma 

    Comment [52]: Angie Kruzich: take out comma 

    Comment [53]: Angie Kruzich: The social constru? 

    Comment [54]: Angie Kruzich: take out 

    Comment [55]: Angie Kruzich: reflect and should be applied to all onlineeducational programs. 

  • 8/9/2019 EdTech 504 Peer Review by Angie Kruzich

    11/15

    11

    individual through the utilization of online learning communities. Educators must constantly be

    exploring emerging theories, such as Transactional Distance Theory, to challenge both

    themselves and their students. 

    Resources: 

    Allen, K. (2005). Online learning: Constructivism and conversation as an approach to learning.

     Innovations in Education and Teaching International , 42(3), 247-256. Retrieved from

    http://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/full/10.1080/01587910500167985  

    Allen, I. E., & Seaman, J. (2007). Online Nation. Five Years of Growth in Online learning.

     Needham, Mass.: Sloan Consortium. Retrieved from

    http://www.bsuc.cn:8013/bk/a18/zt1/1zy/guowai/online_nation.pdf   

    Appleton, J. V., & King, L. (2002). Journeying from the philosophical contemplation of

    constructivism to the methodological pragmatics of health services research. Journal of

     Advanced Nursing , 40(6), 641-648. 

    Aragon, S. R. (2003). Creating social presence in online environments. New Directions for Adult

    and Continuing Education, 2003(100), 57-68. Retrieved from

    http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/10.1002/ace.119/abstract 

    Biggs, J. (1996). Enhancing teaching through constructive alignment. Higher education, 32(3),

    347-364. Retrieved from

    http://www.jstor.org.libproxy.boisestate.edu/stable/pdfplus/3448076.pdf?acceptTC=true 

    Cross, K. P. (1998). Why learning communities? Why now? About campus, 3(3), 4-11. 

    Retrieved from http://www.nhcuc.org/pdfs/CrossLC.pdf  

    Dewey, J. (1959). My pedagogic creed . Progressive Education Publishers. Retrieved from

    http://edu224spring2011.pbworks.com/f/Dewey+-+My+Pedagogic+Creed+%281929%29.pdf   

    http://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/full/10.1080/01587910500167985http://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/full/10.1080/01587910500167985http://www.bsuc.cn:8013/bk/a18/zt1/1zy/guowai/online_nation.pdfhttp://www.bsuc.cn:8013/bk/a18/zt1/1zy/guowai/online_nation.pdfhttp://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/10.1002/ace.119/abstracthttp://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/10.1002/ace.119/abstracthttp://www.jstor.org.libproxy.boisestate.edu/stable/pdfplus/3448076.pdf?acceptTC=truehttp://www.jstor.org.libproxy.boisestate.edu/stable/pdfplus/3448076.pdf?acceptTC=truehttp://www.nhcuc.org/pdfs/CrossLC.pdfhttp://www.nhcuc.org/pdfs/CrossLC.pdfhttp://www.nhcuc.org/pdfs/CrossLC.pdfhttp://edu224spring2011.pbworks.com/f/Dewey+-+My+Pedagogic+Creed+%281929%29.pdfhttp://edu224spring2011.pbworks.com/f/Dewey+-+My+Pedagogic+Creed+%281929%29.pdfhttp://edu224spring2011.pbworks.com/f/Dewey+-+My+Pedagogic+Creed+%281929%29.pdfhttp://www.nhcuc.org/pdfs/CrossLC.pdfhttp://www.jstor.org.libproxy.boisestate.edu/stable/pdfplus/3448076.pdf?acceptTC=truehttp://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/10.1002/ace.119/abstracthttp://www.bsuc.cn:8013/bk/a18/zt1/1zy/guowai/online_nation.pdfhttp://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/full/10.1080/01587910500167985

  • 8/9/2019 EdTech 504 Peer Review by Angie Kruzich

    12/15

    12

    Desai, M. S., Hart, J., & Richards, T. C. (2008). E-Learning: Paradigm Shift in Education.

     Education, 129(2), 327-334. Retrieved from

    http://web.ebscohost.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/ehost/detail?sid=a61af2d9-1f55-487e-9fd7-

    d287af595b85%40sessionmgr15&vid=1&hid=23&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3

    d#db=tfh&AN=35732425  

    Ertmer, P.A., & Newby, T.J. (1993). Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism: Comparing

    critical features from an instructional design perspective.  Performance Improvement Quarterly,

    6 (4), 50-72. Retrieved from http://www.ifets.info/journals/3_2/tam.html 

    Fox, R. (2001). Constructivism examined. Oxford review of education, 27 (1), 23-35. Retrieved

    from http://www.jstor.org.libproxy.boisestate.edu/stable/pdfplus/1050991.pdf?acceptTC=true 

    Gagnon, G. W., & Collay, M. (2005). Constructivist learning design: Key questions for teaching

    to standards. Corwin Press. Retrieved from Boise State Library 

    Gokool-Ramdoo, S. (2008). Beyond the Theoretical Impasse: Extending the Applications of

    Transactional Distance Theory. International Review of Research in Open and Distance

     Learning , 9(3), 1-17. 

    Gorsky, P., & Caspi, A. (2005). A critical analysis of transactional distance theory. The

    Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 6 (1), 1-11. 

    D. Randy Garrison and Terry Anderson (2003).  E-Learning in the 21st Century: A Framework

     for Research and Practice E-Learning in the 21st Century: A Framework for Research and

    Practice. New York, NY: Routledge. 

    Gold, S. (2001). A constructivist approach to online training for online teachers.  Journal of

     Asynchronous Learning Networks, 5(1), 35-57. Retrieved from

    https://admission.kettering.edu/sites/default/files/resource-file-download/ConstructivistApproach.pdf  

    http://web.ebscohost.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/ehost/detail?sid=a61af2d9-1f55-487e-9fd7-d287af595b85%40sessionmgr15&vid=1&hid=23&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=tfh&AN=35732425http://web.ebscohost.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/ehost/detail?sid=a61af2d9-1f55-487e-9fd7-d287af595b85%40sessionmgr15&vid=1&hid=23&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=tfh&AN=35732425http://web.ebscohost.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/ehost/detail?sid=a61af2d9-1f55-487e-9fd7-d287af595b85%40sessionmgr15&vid=1&hid=23&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=tfh&AN=35732425http://web.ebscohost.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/ehost/detail?sid=a61af2d9-1f55-487e-9fd7-d287af595b85%40sessionmgr15&vid=1&hid=23&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=tfh&AN=35732425http://ocw.metu.edu.tr/file.php/118/Week_6/Ertmer-Newby-beh-cog-const.pdfhttp://ocw.metu.edu.tr/file.php/118/Week_6/Ertmer-Newby-beh-cog-const.pdfhttp://ocw.metu.edu.tr/file.php/118/Week_6/Ertmer-Newby-beh-cog-const.pdfhttp://ocw.metu.edu.tr/file.php/118/Week_6/Ertmer-Newby-beh-cog-const.pdfhttp://www.ifets.info/journals/3_2/tam.htmlhttp://www.ifets.info/journals/3_2/tam.htmlhttp://www.ifets.info/journals/3_2/tam.htmlhttp://www.jstor.org.libproxy.boisestate.edu/stable/pdfplus/1050991.pdf?acceptTC=truehttp://www.jstor.org.libproxy.boisestate.edu/stable/pdfplus/1050991.pdf?acceptTC=truehttp://www.jstor.org.libproxy.boisestate.edu/stable/pdfplus/1050991.pdf?acceptTC=truehttp://books.google.com/books?id=UZOG5KEoiCQC&pg=PA33&dq=define-instructional-technology&lr=&as_brr=0&ei=ClahR5qoMY_-sQPyx-2bCg&sig=P3kU_P8ZfHHGAvedqg3rF2UG7gchttp://books.google.com/books?id=UZOG5KEoiCQC&pg=PA33&dq=define-instructional-technology&lr=&as_brr=0&ei=ClahR5qoMY_-sQPyx-2bCg&sig=P3kU_P8ZfHHGAvedqg3rF2UG7gchttp://books.google.com/books?id=UZOG5KEoiCQC&pg=PA33&dq=define-instructional-technology&lr=&as_brr=0&ei=ClahR5qoMY_-sQPyx-2bCg&sig=P3kU_P8ZfHHGAvedqg3rF2UG7gchttp://books.google.com/books?id=UZOG5KEoiCQC&pg=PA33&dq=define-instructional-technology&lr=&as_brr=0&ei=ClahR5qoMY_-sQPyx-2bCg&sig=P3kU_P8ZfHHGAvedqg3rF2UG7gchttps://admission.kettering.edu/sites/default/files/resource-file-download/ConstructivistApproach.pdfhttps://admission.kettering.edu/sites/default/files/resource-file-download/ConstructivistApproach.pdfhttps://admission.kettering.edu/sites/default/files/resource-file-download/ConstructivistApproach.pdfhttps://admission.kettering.edu/sites/default/files/resource-file-download/ConstructivistApproach.pdfhttps://admission.kettering.edu/sites/default/files/resource-file-download/ConstructivistApproach.pdfhttp://books.google.com/books?id=UZOG5KEoiCQC&pg=PA33&dq=define-instructional-technology&lr=&as_brr=0&ei=ClahR5qoMY_-sQPyx-2bCg&sig=P3kU_P8ZfHHGAvedqg3rF2UG7gchttp://books.google.com/books?id=UZOG5KEoiCQC&pg=PA33&dq=define-instructional-technology&lr=&as_brr=0&ei=ClahR5qoMY_-sQPyx-2bCg&sig=P3kU_P8ZfHHGAvedqg3rF2UG7gchttp://www.jstor.org.libproxy.boisestate.edu/stable/pdfplus/1050991.pdf?acceptTC=truehttp://www.ifets.info/journals/3_2/tam.htmlhttp://ocw.metu.edu.tr/file.php/118/Week_6/Ertmer-Newby-beh-cog-const.pdfhttp://ocw.metu.edu.tr/file.php/118/Week_6/Ertmer-Newby-beh-cog-const.pdfhttp://web.ebscohost.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/ehost/detail?sid=a61af2d9-1f55-487e-9fd7-d287af595b85%40sessionmgr15&vid=1&hid=23&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=tfh&AN=35732425http://web.ebscohost.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/ehost/detail?sid=a61af2d9-1f55-487e-9fd7-d287af595b85%40sessionmgr15&vid=1&hid=23&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=tfh&AN=35732425http://web.ebscohost.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/ehost/detail?sid=a61af2d9-1f55-487e-9fd7-d287af595b85%40sessionmgr15&vid=1&hid=23&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=tfh&AN=35732425

  • 8/9/2019 EdTech 504 Peer Review by Angie Kruzich

    13/15

    13

    Gulati, S. (2008). Compulsory participation in online discussions: is this constructivism or

    normalisation of learning?. Innovations in education and teaching international , 45(2), 183-

    192.Retrieved from

    http://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/abs/10.1080/14703290801950427  

    Hannafin, M., Land, S.M. (1997) The Foundations and Assumptions of Technology-Enhanced

    Student-Centered Learning Environments, 1997 Kluwer Academic Publishers. Printed in the

     Netherlands. Retrieved from Boise State Library

    http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/65/art%253A10.1023%252FA%253A1002997414652.p

    df?auth66=1361161836_5b151fbc086ad72c0f13a768aee54498&ext=.pdf  

    Hickman, L., & Reich, K. (Eds.). (2009). John Dewey between pragmatism and constructivism.

    Fordham University Press. Retrieved from http://books.google.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/ 

    Hill, J.R. (2012). Learning communities: Theoretical foundations for making connections. In D.

    Jonassen, & S. Land (Eds.), Theoretical foundations of learning environments (2nd

     ed., pp. 268-

    285). New York, NY: Routledge 

    Huang, H. M. (2002). Toward constructivism for adult learners in online learning environments.

     British Journal of Educational Technology, 33(1), 27-37. Retrieved from

    http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/10.1111/1467-8535.00236/pdf  

    Hrastinski, S. (2009). A theory of online learning as online participation. Computers &

     Education, 52(1), 78-82. Retrieved from

    http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/science/article/pii/S0360131508000997 

    Jonassen, D.H., & Land , S.M. (2000). Theotetical foundations of learning environments.

    Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Stanovich, K. (1994). Constructivism in reading

    education. Journal of Special Education, 28(3), 259. 

    Kolb, A. Y., & Kolb, D. A. (2005). Learning Styles and Learning Spaces: Enhancing

    Experiential Learning in Higher Education. Academy of Management Learning & Education,

    http://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/abs/10.1080/14703290801950427http://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/abs/10.1080/14703290801950427http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/65/art%253A10.1023%252FA%253A1002997414652.pdf?auth66=1361161836_5b151fbc086ad72c0f13a768aee54498&ext=.pdfhttp://download.springer.com/static/pdf/65/art%253A10.1023%252FA%253A1002997414652.pdf?auth66=1361161836_5b151fbc086ad72c0f13a768aee54498&ext=.pdfhttp://download.springer.com/static/pdf/65/art%253A10.1023%252FA%253A1002997414652.pdf?auth66=1361161836_5b151fbc086ad72c0f13a768aee54498&ext=.pdfhttp://books.google.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/http://books.google.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/http://books.google.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/10.1111/1467-8535.00236/pdfhttp://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/10.1111/1467-8535.00236/pdfhttp://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/science/article/pii/S0360131508000997http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/science/article/pii/S0360131508000997http://www.sciencedirect.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/science/article/pii/S0360131508000997http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/10.1111/1467-8535.00236/pdfhttp://books.google.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/http://download.springer.com/static/pdf/65/art%253A10.1023%252FA%253A1002997414652.pdf?auth66=1361161836_5b151fbc086ad72c0f13a768aee54498&ext=.pdfhttp://download.springer.com/static/pdf/65/art%253A10.1023%252FA%253A1002997414652.pdf?auth66=1361161836_5b151fbc086ad72c0f13a768aee54498&ext=.pdfhttp://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/abs/10.1080/14703290801950427

  • 8/9/2019 EdTech 504 Peer Review by Angie Kruzich

    14/15

    14

    4(2), 193-212. Retrieved from

    http://www.jstor.org.libproxy.boisestate.edu/stable/10.2307/40214287  

    Matthews, W. J. (2003). Constructivism in the Classroom: Epistemology, History, and Empirical

    Evidence. Teacher Education Quarterly, 30(3), 51-64. Retrieved from

    http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/EJ852364.pdf  

    Moore, M. G. (1991). Distance education theory. The American Journal of Distance Education,

    5(3), 1-6. 

     Nance, R. (2009). THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION. Retrieved

    from http://www.fwquestclub.com/welcome_files/papers/childhood_education.pdf   

    Schweizer, H., Whipp, J., & Hayslett, C. (2003). Quality control in online courses: Using a social

    constructivist framework. Computers in the Schools, 19(3-4), 143-158. Retrieved from

    http://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/pdf/10.1300/J025v19v03_12  

    Swan, K. (2002). Building learning communities in online courses: The importance of

    interaction. Education, Communication & Information, 2(1), 23-49. Retrieved from

    http://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/abs/10.1080/1463631022000005016  

    Vonderwell, S., & Zachariah, S. (2005). Factors that Influence Participation in Online Learning.

     Journal of research on technology in Education, 38(2), 213-230. Retrieved from

    http://www.eric.ed.gov.libproxy.boisestate.edu/PDFS/EJ728902.pdf  

    Vygotsky, L. (1978). Mind in society. 

    Williamson, W. D. (2010). Assessing Constructivist Elements in the Online Learning

    Environment. ProQuest LLC . Retrieved from

    http://search.proquest.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/docview/305210019  

    http://www.jstor.org.libproxy.boisestate.edu/stable/10.2307/40214287http://www.jstor.org.libproxy.boisestate.edu/stable/10.2307/40214287http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/EJ852364.pdfhttp://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/EJ852364.pdfhttp://www.fwquestclub.com/welcome_files/papers/childhood_education.pdfhttp://www.fwquestclub.com/welcome_files/papers/childhood_education.pdfhttp://www.fwquestclub.com/welcome_files/papers/childhood_education.pdfhttp://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/pdf/10.1300/J025v19v03_12http://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/pdf/10.1300/J025v19v03_12http://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/abs/10.1080/1463631022000005016http://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/abs/10.1080/1463631022000005016http://www.eric.ed.gov.libproxy.boisestate.edu/PDFS/EJ728902.pdfhttp://www.eric.ed.gov.libproxy.boisestate.edu/PDFS/EJ728902.pdfhttp://search.proquest.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/docview/305210019http://search.proquest.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/docview/305210019http://search.proquest.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/docview/305210019http://www.eric.ed.gov.libproxy.boisestate.edu/PDFS/EJ728902.pdfhttp://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/abs/10.1080/1463631022000005016http://www.tandfonline.com.libproxy.boisestate.edu/doi/pdf/10.1300/J025v19v03_12http://www.fwquestclub.com/welcome_files/papers/childhood_education.pdfhttp://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/EJ852364.pdfhttp://www.jstor.org.libproxy.boisestate.edu/stable/10.2307/40214287

  • 8/9/2019 EdTech 504 Peer Review by Angie Kruzich

    15/15

    15

    Yilmaz, K. (2008). Constructivism: Its Theoretical Underpinnings, Variations, and Implications

    for Classroom Instruction. Educational Horizons, 86 (3), 161-172. Retrieved from

    http://www.eric.ed.gov.libproxy.boisestate.edu/PDFS/EJ798521.pdf  

    http://www.eric.ed.gov.libproxy.boisestate.edu/PDFS/EJ798521.pdfhttp://www.eric.ed.gov.libproxy.boisestate.edu/PDFS/EJ798521.pdfhttp://www.eric.ed.gov.libproxy.boisestate.edu/PDFS/EJ798521.pdf