I am a candidate for an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology at Towson University. My doctoral studies fascinate me, especially constructivist theory. In doing this blog, I am struck by a cosmic truth: blogging is pure constructivism.
For example, in my learning environments at Towson, I use Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) to teach strategic communication/PR planning and management. I develop real world case studies from my 30-plus years of experience in corporate America and from my consulting. Research shows that individuals think in terms of cases — interpretations of their experiences that they can apply to new situations. CBR integrates memory, learning, and reasoning, so say two thinkers I study, Kolodner and Guzdial.
CBR defines a model of cognition (knowledge gained) including the processes and knowledge structures that can be revisited for advice and guidance in future circumstances. Like when students graduate and get real jobs with real problems.
CBR, like constructivism, claims that what individuals learn is consciously constructed from their own concrete experiences. Reflection is also a key component of learning. Learners “construct” by combining new information with existing knowledge and experiences.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. McConnell and Huba say in their blockbuster, must-read book, Citizen Marketers,“the future of personal publishing (blogs) and the business of culture are being driven by the inherent ease and desire for people to build knowledge together. The academic world has done this for ions, building knowledge atop one another’s research and relying on a peer-review process to validate work. The amateur culture attempts something similar, but the time period is days or hours.”
Eureka! Blogging is pure constructivism. And you thought you were just mouthing off.
And there I was thinking I was being so clever starting my own PhD in BusComms next month, and I find someone out there beating me to the ‘Clever Clogs Communicator of the Year’ gong! Fantastic post, mate — can’t wait for more theory-swapping in the next few months (as well as mouthing off! {[grin} )
[...] blog shines with insight and erudition. Natch. This particular post I’m linking to is about constructionist theory and Case-Based Reasoning (CBR). QED. I look forward to sharing PhD study notes and communication, [...]
[...] The Blog: Constructivism at Its Finest Master Communicator Les Potter’s new blog shines with insight and erudition. Natch. This post is about constructionist theory and Case-Based Reasoning (CBR). QED. (tags: les_potter communication blogging business management) [...]
Hi Les, it’s great to see you using your blog to good effect. As one of your instructors, I would caution you on one point.
Blogs are tools (just like hammers). As such, they can be used for a number of purposes. It is true that a blog such as yours may start a good old-fashioned Socratic dialogue, however, it is equally true that a blog can be used to just transmit information from a source to a recipient.
I’d wholeheartedly agree that blogs CAN be used to foster contructivist learning and discussion. But, the use of blogs in themselves does not guarantee contructivist learning will take place.
As with all discussions relating to educational technology, it boils down to: how the environment is designed; what kinds of experiences students will get from them, and; monitoring the environment carefully to keep people “on the path.”
I don’t know about business much, but my guess is that these principles apply there too. So, don’t forget that the tool is just a small part of the environment.