Sunday, April 16, 2006

Technoconstructivism and disruptive technologies

If you have been reading about Web 2.0 recently you will have come across discussions to do with disruptive technologies. Essentially, Web 2.0 use of technology allows the information to come to the user and also provides web applications that ultimately can replace desktop software. In educational terms this is providing immediate tools for constructivist use of technology in the classroom. At the same time it is labelled as disruptive in terms of what it is asking educators and administrators to think about and encourage in terms of what we teach and how we teach.

The use of Web 2.0 and "Type II" technologies for teaching and learning is catapulting schools into the 21st Century, like it or not. Students have no difficutly coping with interactive, online tools that provide access to resources and allow them to contribute and collaborate in meaningful ways. Many teachers, however, are and will continue to struggle with the perceived lack of control this may mean for them and their position in the class and continue to 'disrupt' the embrace of 'disruptive' or other new technologies.

I encourage you to read further on this topic:
  • Definition found in Wikipedia Web 2.0
  • Mike Muir provides an overview of 'Type I' and 'Type II' use of technology and draws on other authors for comparative comments: Do Something Disruptive
  • Wesley Fryer has compiled excellent workshop material to do with Web 2.0 and has invited others to use his resources. This workshop introduces participants to Web 2.0 and many of its available tools. These include WikiPedia, RSS, social bookmarks, feed aggregators, validation of online content, blogs, and creative commons. Web 2.0 Workshop
  • Wesley Fryer's blog posting Embracing Disruptive Technology Use is another conversational discussion where he also says:
    The message is very clear. Embrace disruptive technology use that can constructively promote the causes of literacy development and learning. And help others to do the same. Invite other teachers into the ongoing conversations in the blogosphere related to these issues. Don’t just talk about technology: Talk about improving teaching, learning, and assessment. Talk about providing the education students want, deserve, and desperately need for success in the 21st century.

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