Tool for Knowledge Construction

Technology: A Tool for Knowledge Construction
in a Reggio Emilia Inspired Teacher Education Program
by Seong B. Hong and Mary Trepanier-Street

The authors of this report compiled data, reflections, experience and research during the technology work project, concluding that technology improves learning and teaching in the classroom.  This is because it allows students to represent their ideas and understanding in a way that their motor skills cannot yet accomplish, collaborate as a whole toward organizing ideas, use visual and auditory tools to reflect on learning and to interact with communities outside the classroom.  These tools are important and significant to children's education because it allows them to pursue their interests and learning above and beyond what we could without these resources.  Technology that is child-friendly allows them to express themselves and share their ideas beyond what they are physically capable of with only a paper and pencils.  Technology allows material to be instantly reviewed in multiple formats that are interesting and engaging, really improving the quality of learning.  This reinforces knowledge more effectively than simple repetition and gets the students excited about learning and participating.  In my classroom, I would incorporate videos and pictures about what we are studying, a tool that engages them and is also easy to add to if their interest becomes focused on one particular thing that I had not prepared for.  I would also have interactive tools like Smartboard and Kid Pix that allow students to be involved in organizing and representing their ideas.  I like those tools in particular because students can work together and add to each others ideas--or I could lead the class in a group project to produce something together.