Constructionism

There are two steps to problem solving when dealing with constructionism: finding the image to lock into the brain and constructing that image using technology.
As students practice constructionism by building their own images using the knowledge gained they have to experiment with a variety of images before fixating on the best one. Everything in life involves the scientific method which starts out with a problem and ends with a conclusion. The problem in this case is the student relating knowledge to an image and then using technology to represent that image. “When students problem solve, they look at various solutions given the obstacles and restraints posed by the problem” (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007) which means that students compare their images by gathering data on each one before making a final decision. For example, a student may be struggling with an image to represent the nucleus of a cell. Any image having to do with something being in control of a situation would do but the student must choose the one that is best for him or she to remember and be able to recall when assessed on the topic.
After choosing the best image for the specified content the next problem would be to find an image to represent the student’s image by using technology. Technology can help students create the image from scratch using shapes or the Paint program or the student can rely on pre-constructed images from the internet. Students can even add audio in a Power Point program.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.