Toward Constructivism For Adult Learners In Online Learning Environments
Huang attempts to develop some insights into the constructivist theories specifically applied to online learning environments. He discusses how they impact and enhance the teaching and learning environments.
In this article Huang discusses more than just constructivism theories. He also discusses an adult learning theory and online technologies as they relate to constructivism. The theory of constructivism is that learners build new knowledge on top of old knowledge in order to form new knowledge. With adult learners, it is noted that the instructor needs to give reinforcement at the proper times and with the proper materials in order to increase the chances of success with the learners. The overwhelming theory within technology is that the role of the technology and the instructor is the same – to facilitate the online learning processes.
There are seven issues that were found within this approach to learning. These issues included isolation, quality and authenticity of the learning, the role of the educator, pre-authentication, time-consuming evaluation, the learning should be learner-centered, and that collaborative learning can conflict with individual differences.
Overall, it is noted that when the instructional strategies and subject matter are relevant learning environments, but one must also pay attention to other relevant variables for creating an even better learning environment.
Huang, H., (2002) Toward constructivism for adult learners in online learning environments, British Journal of Educational Technology, 33(1), 27-37.