Constructivism and Technology

While I read Mayer’s article, I recognized that I was still in the stage of knowledge acquisition in terms of learning even though I have studied “constructivism” and believed the constructivism as the alternative framework of education. For instance, when I read articles or books, I tend to focus on understanding the presented information, instead of thinking creatively with the information because English is my second language. In addition, when I taught algebra to junior high or high school students as a tutor, I often have experienced that I just memorized formulas without understanding the principle of formula during my school years. However, because the curriculum in my generation was suitable for that kind of learning (rote learning or skills learning) I seldom failed in an algebra class. Was I lucky or unlucky?
Advances in technology made people in education area (administrative officers, teachers, or parents) too excited. People often think that it is possible to educate students by just providing up-to-date technology. However, according to Mayer (2003), the role of technology in education should prompt “human cognition through the aid of technology” rather than give “people access to the latest technology.” To make good use of advances in technology in educational setting, an instructional designer should consider systemical analysis of learner, learning task and learning environment.