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Resources: Suggested Additional Readings

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The following resources have been provided for those wishing to learn more about technology-integrated constructivist approaches.

1. Brooks, J., & Brooks, M.G. (1993). In Search of Understanding: The Case for Constructivist Classrooms. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

This is a well-written overview of constructivism and strategies for implementing constructivist approaches in the K-12 classroom.

2. Caine R., & Caine G. (1991). Making Connections: Teaching and the Human Brain. Menlo Park, CA: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.

In addition to addressing several assumptions that teachers hold about education and citing facts and theories about the human brain, the authors discuss twelve principles of brain-based learning and the implications of those principles for educators. They directly challenge the reduction of learning into left- and right-brain modes.

3. Interactive Educational Systems Design. (1997). Report on the Effectiveness of Technology in the Schools, 1995-1996. Washington, D.C: Software Publishers Association.

This is an overview of research studies concerning the successes and limitations of educational technology in the K-12 classroom. Findings are summarized and presented within overall teaching strategies and classroom structure. A new report is issued annually.

4. Maddux, C.D., Johnson, D.L., & Willis, J.W. (1997). Educational Computing: Learning With Tomorrow's Technology. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Maddux, Johnson and Willis offer an excellent grounding for those wishing an overview of different types of hardware and software and their utility in the classroom. The authors focus on each type of software application (e.g. word processing software, databases) and the specific skills each can facilitate. Although only one chapter deals exclusively with constructivist uses of educational technology, the majority of activities described occur within student-centered and constructivist settings.

5. Southwest Consortium for the Improvement of Mathematics and Science Teaching. (1995). Constructing Knowledge in the Classroom. Classroom Compass (1)3. Austin, TX: Southwest Educational Development Laboratory.

Classroom Compass is an information bulletin published by SEDL that presents essays, recommends electronic and print resources, and suggests classroom activities for K-12 math and science teachers. This issue focuses on constructivism and constructivist applications in mathematics and science classrooms.

6. Technology Assistance Program, Southwest Educational Development Laboratory (SEDL).

Applying Technology to Restructuring and Learning, a project serving more than 150 teachers in six schools, is part of SEDL's Technology Assistance Program. The SEDL staff work with these teachers to create technology-enriched constructivist classrooms. This website was designed for K-12 teachers who are embarking on a path toward such learning environments. The site provides information on both constructivist theory and educational technology, as well as subject area resources that could be used to supplement constructivist approaches.

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Contents
Introduction Intro to Constructivism Classroom Activities Computers and Constructivism Classroom Technology
Considerations

Conclusion

Resources

Endnotes

References

Copyright 1999 Southwest Educational Development Laboratory