Constructivism theory and use from a 21st century perspective

ABSTRACT - This paper describes the development of an instructional unit with the goal of improving the integration of a high-fidelity simulator into an existing curriculum. Another goal was the use of practical applications of Constructivist learning theory. The target audience is bachelor’s-degree level health care sciences students who are learning medical ultrasound in a university environment. A comprehensive four-week lesson plan was developed using a combination of the R2D2 and the PC3 ID models, both designed to employ practical applications of Constructivism in electronically-supported learning. Participatory design, recursion, reflection, conversation, collaboration, and cognitive tool uses were all a part of the ID process. The resulting lesson plan incorporates instructional elements supportive of Constructivist learning theory: scaffolding, cognitive apprenticeship, active learning, learner selfreflection, social and meaningful learning experiences, and self-guided course progress. Implementation plans were also developed including formative and summative assessments. The entire instructional unit is based in the Blackboard electronic learning environment. The result of this project is a self-contained, self-guided instructional unit based on practical applications of Constructivist theory, which will have positive effects on the further integration of the simulator into the overall instructional curriculum. Keywords: High-fidelity simulation integration, Constructivist theory and Instructional Design, practical Constructivism, scaffolding, cognitive apprenticeship, self-reflection, social and meaningful learning, R2D2 model, PC3 model, undergraduate health care sciences