Introduction 

This is not to say you can t learn anything from reading a web page or watching a lecture,           

obviously you can, it s just pointing out that there is more interpretation going on than a transfer 

of information from one brain to another. 

2. Constructionism 

Constructionism asserts that learning is particularly effective when constructing something for 

others to experience. This can be anything from a spoken sentence or an internet posting, to 

more complex artifacts like a painting, a house or a software package. 

For example, you might read this page several times and still forget it by tomorrow   but if you 

were to try and explain these ideas to someone else in your own words, or produce a slideshow 

that explained these concepts, then I can guarantee you d have a better understanding that is 

more integrated into your own ideas. This is why people take notes during lectures, even if they 

never read the notes again. 

3. Social Constructivism 

This extends the above ideas into a social group constructing things for one another, collabora 

tively creating a small culture of shared artifacts with shared meanings. When one is immersed 

within a culture like this, one is learning all the time about how to be a part of that culture, on 

many levels. 

A very simple example is an object like a cup. The object can be used for many things, but its 

shape does suggest some "knowledge" about carrying liquids. A more complex example is an 

online course   not only do the "shapes" of the software tools 

indicate certain things about the way 

online courses should work, but the activities and texts produced within the group as a whole will help shape 

how each person behaves within that group.

4. Connected and Separate 

This idea looks deeper into the motivations of individuals within a discussion. Separate            

behavior is when someone tries to remain  objective  and  factual , and tends to defend their own 

ideas using logic to find holes in their opponent s ideas. Connected behavior is a more               

empathic approach that accepts subjectivity, trying to listen and ask questions in an effort to        

understand the other point of view. Constructed behavior is when a person is sensitive to both of 

these approaches and is able to choose either of them as appropriate to the current situation. 

In general, a healthy amount of connected behavior within a learning  community  is  a  very             

powerful stimulant for learning, not only bringing people closer together but promoting deeper 

reflection and re examination of their existing beliefs. 

Once you are thinking about all these issues, it helps you to focus on the experiences that 

would be best for learning from the learner s point of  view,  rather  than  just  publishing  and         

assessing the information you think they need to know. It can also help you realize how each 

participant in a course can be a teacher as well as a learner. Your job as a  teacher  can 

change from being  the source of knowledge  to being an influencer and role model of class 

culture, connecting with students in a personal way that addresses their own learning needs, 

and moderating discussions and activities in a way that collectively leads students towards the 

learning goals of the class. 

Obviously Moodle doesn t force this style of behavior, but this is what it is best at supporting.             

In future, as the technical infrastructure of Moodle stabilizes, further improvements  in          

pedagogical  support will be a major direction for Moodle development. You are invited to be a 

part of this future by contributing your ideas and experiences using Moodle with your students.  

Join the online community of teachers and business trainers at 

http://moodle.org

5 

http://moodle.org