CLE-based learning model
- 1. Constructivist Learning Environments (CLEs) Juan Maestre
- 2. Our learning model addresses the way university students should better learn already available knowledge in their field, use it to solve real problems and produce new knowledge.
- 3. This learning model would be implemented in the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana in Quito - Ecuador, and serve 50 students enrolled in the last two semesters of undergraduate programs in the robotics and engineering schools.
- 4. During the last two semesters, students enroll in courses wher they develop and work on community- related projects to solve problems. The idea is to provide students of a better environment and tools to come up with better and original solutions to solve these problems.
- 5. CLEs-Based Learning Model allow students to interact with technology, information and prior-acquired knowledge to generate solutions that solve community-related problems. Students should be constantly generating new knowledge and have their tutors provide them with all the necessary information sources as well as all the necessary technology that would allow them to have access to information as well as communication channels that will put them in contact with those who might contribute to the development of their proposals. In the following diagram we can see how this learning model is greatly influenced by the problem itself which would determine the kind of knowledge required. Students will make use of CLEs and tutors to be able to come up with creative and innovative solutions.
- 6. knowledge Problem – Challenge / community CLE solutions student t Information sources tutor
- 7. elements This educational model is based on tutors Constructivist Learning problem Environments (CLEs) which implement the latest in technology so students can solve real-life student problems while interacting with multiple digital and physical platforms as well as with tutors, information sources and the community to produce viable Constructive Learning Technology / infrastructure solutions. Students have complete Environment (CLE) freedom as to how to use their prior Multimedia knowledge and CLEs to have access Application to new information and come up Center with new solutions. In the diagram on the left, all elements of the model can be Community Knowledge clearly identified. Relationship Center
- 8. students Students are the most important tutors element of CLEs, for they are the problem ones who will make use of all the educational resources and tools in order to create problem-solving students prototypes. Constructive Learning Technology / infrastructure Environment (CLE) Multimedia Application Center Community Knowledge Relationship Center
- 9. tutors Tutors are to be contacted by tutors students in case further guidance or problem more information sources are needed. Tutors are also required for prototype evaluation. students Tutors act manily as information source suppliers and moderators in CLEs. Tutors can be physically or virtually present in CLEs in order to Constructive Learning Technology / infrastructure monitor and assist students. Environment (CLE) Multimedia Application Center Community Knowledge Relationship Center
- 10. problem The problem constitutes the tutors challenge to be addressed by the problem student. It should be real-life type of problem present in the community. students Constructive Learning Technology / infrastructure Environment (CLE) Multimedia Application Center Community Knowledge Relationship Center
- 11. Technolgy / infraestructure Technology is another key aspect of tutors CLEs. Predominantly, the type of problem technology implemented will be digital and computer-centered. students Students will have access to multimedia interactive software to have access to digital information and virtual reality stations to prove their prototypes. Constructive Learning Technology / infrastructure Environment (CLE) Physical spaces in CLEs would Multimedia foster critical thinking, creativity Application and teamwork at all times. Center Both digital technology and infrastructure should provide students of all the necessary tools Community Knowledge to foster learning processes and the production of new knowledge. Relationship Center
- 12. Technology / infrastructure There are going to be 10 CLEs laboratories located in the Multimedia Formation Center. Each laboratory will have the following: problem 10 computers. Each computer will be equipped with a Xeon processor, video and graphics card and a 21” monitor. (16Gb RAM, 10Terabytes hard drive) Broadband internet access. Brainstorming session and meeting space equipped with 1 digital whiteboard and material such as pens and sticky note pads. Wi-Fi access for mobile devices. Technology / infrastructure Video conference area equipped with one projector and videoconference equipment (camera, software, etc.) Project Tracking software technology would allow students to publish advancements of the project so that tutors can evaluate progress. This software would also be available in students’ mobile devices. Knowledge
- 13. Technology / infrastructure For each class a maximum number of 10 students could use the lab. A CLE laboratory would look like this: problem Video conference Meeting room room Technology / Computer infrastructure terminals. CLE Laboratory Knowledge Computer terminals
- 14. Technology / infraestructure Another important feature of the tutors technology used in this model is problem the use of social networking as a way for tutors to get in touch with students and provide them with students tips on how to better work in teams and sources to a varied array of references that may help them arrive to better ideas. Constructive Learning Technology / infrastructure Environment (CLE) Multimedia Application Center Community Knowledge Relationship Center
- 15. community The community and the tutors Community Relationship Center problem would provide students of all the necessary information regarding the state of the problem. students The role of the Community Relationship Center is to contact members of the community to identify problems and all the agents Constructive Learning Technology / infrastructure that might be involved. Environment (CLE) Multimedia Application Center Community Knowledge Relationship Center
- 16. Multimedia application center The Multimedia application center tutors would provide students of all the problem necessary software and communication tools that they might need to solve a problem. students Constructive Learning Technology / infrastructure Environment (CLE) Multimedia Application Center Community Knowledge Relationship Center
- 17. knowledge Another key element in this tutors learning model is knowledge being problem accessible through a myriad of digital sources as well as from tutors and the community itself. students It is also very important to take into account the student’s prior knowledge in order to encourage successful learning and the creation Constructive Learning Technology / infrastructure of truly unique and original Environment (CLE) proposals. Multimedia Application Center Community Knowledge Relationship Center
- 18. The university has already approved the creation of CLEs in laboratories in the Multimedia Formation Center located in one of the campuses of the university. Basically, the spaces in these laboratories will have to be redesigned in order to generate interactive and engaging environments that would promote student-centered, problem-focused research.
- 19. COST The costs of the creation of CLEs would be completely covered by the university at first. However, the university will charge different amounts of money to community beneficiaries depending on the sector and problem being tackled (specially if the problem being solved has private profit-making sectors as main and direct beneficiaries.) This entry of money would suppose a way to financially sustain and maintain the infraestructure and technology of CLEs as well as pay for teacher training on how to use and implement this model with students.
- 20. MAINTENANCE The Multimedia Formation Center would be in charge of the maintenance of all equipment and spaces of CLEs. The will also be in charge of the installation of new software and maintenance of network infrastructure.