1. ϵ-Learning Theory-
Communal
Constructivism

2. The theoretical underpinning
of ϵ-Learning
Learning theory itself is
prime for development.
e-Learning takes the concept
of “community of
learners”.
“Communal constructivism”-
individuals not only learn
socially but contribute to
other learners.

3. e-Learning has limitations:
1. The fixed times
2. Locations for
learning
However, e-Learning is
simply an add-on in the
technology itself

4. e-Learning has theoretical underpinning
and the concepts have emerged from:
1. A number of
different traditions
and fields
2. Education
3. Psychology
4. Computer science
5. Sociology

6. an understanding of three main theoretical
frameworks underpinning educational and e-
Learning theory:
Behaviourism

7. The best known proponents
of the approach:

8. COGNITIVISM

9. The most prominent theorists
of Cognitivist approaches:

10. Sensory-motor skills: 0-2 years; reaching,
touching and so on
Pre-operational: 2-7 years;
linguistic development, intuitive
understanding of some simple
processes
Concrete operations: 7-11 years;
organized thinking, problem
solving with “real” contexts
Formal operations: 11-15 years; abstract
conceptualization and formal logic

11. The learner`s steps: implying
that some learning capabilities
are dependent on the
consolidation of others
David Wood introduces the
concept of “scaffolding”
Scaffolding is considered as part of the
tutor`s role

13. SAMPLE WEBSITES
1. https://www.cs.tcd.ie/publications/tech-
reports/reports.01/TCD-CS-2001-04.pdf
2. http://searchwarp.com/swa596784-Educational-
Implications-Of-Theory-Of-Communal-
Constructivism.htm
3. e-Learning Theory – Communal Constructivism :
SAGE Knowledge
knowledge.sagepub.com/view/e-learning/n5.xml
4. E-learning: concepts and practice - University of East
London
www.uel.ac.uk/rite/issues/vol1/2/bookreview/pp34/

14. REFERENCES
“Communal Constructivism:
Students constructing learning
for as well as with others”
Bryn Holmes, Brendan Tangney,
Ann FitzGibbon, Tim Savage,
Siobhan Mehan.
https://www.cs.tcd.ie/publications
/tech-reports/reports.01/TCD-
CS-2001-04.pdf
“Educational Implications of Theory
of Communal Constructivism”
by Rahaman Onike
http://searchwarp.com/swa59678
4-Educational-Implications-Of-
Theory-Of-Communal-
Constructivism.htm
And
http://www.powershow.com/view
/fc081-
MDczY/Constructivist_Learning
_Theory_powerpoint_ppt_pres
entation

18. EVOLVE
D

19. Socio—constructivist model requires a
third dimension to the interaction
Learner

21. http://www.simplypsychology.org/vygotsky.html
1. Vygotsky places more emphasis on culture.
2. Vygotsky places considerably more emphasis on social factors.
3. Vygotsky places more (and different) emphasis on the role of
language in cognitive development

23. DEFINITION
• Communal Constructivism is an approach to learning in which
students construct their own knowledge as a result of their
experiences and interactions with others and are afforded the
opportunity to contribute this knowledge to a communal
knowledge base for the benefit of existing and new learners
(Holmes, 2001)

25. ‘a river and a pipe’

26. Two analogies, of water flowing in a river and in a
pipe, illustrate the basic tenet of communal
constructivism.

27. Tutors
Learning
Program
Students

28. or

29. Salomon, G. and Perkins, D. (1998)

30. The concept of PhD study
The concept of PhD study is that of the
students making a contribution to the field
they are studying.
Doctoral students attempt to expand
knowledge in a discipline and are
encouraged to publish their results so that
their own work is recorded and helps
develop the field of knowledge.
the doctoral study is arguably one of the best
learning experiences available, especially if
it is undertaken in a team context such as
a science research group

31. Types of e-learning

32. they represent a significant move forward for e-Learning, based on
communities of users/learners in a communal constructivist context.

33. form of e-Learning exemplified by weblogs
(blog)
http://languagepie.wordpress.com/

34. form of e-Learning exemplified by multi-user
object oriented systems (MOO)
http://www.angelfire.com/ma/CasaDax/moo.html

35. form of e-Learning exemplified by multi-editor
wiki systems (wiki).
http://web20andlanguagelearning.wikidot.com/wi
kis

37. SEEDS OF CHANGE!
 To learn with and from others
 Peer tutoring and project-based
learning in a group
 Conventional educational process
will become increasingly vulnerable
to change in the face of communal
constructivist approaches stimulated
by e-learning environments.

38. QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS :

39. Why is making it social valuable?
Which is better? Why?
Getting it from a peer… Or getting it from a teacher?
d
i
s
c
u
s
s
i
o
n

40. How to design
d Multi-user Object
i
s Oriented systems
c
u (MOO)
s
s ?
i
o
n