The theory of constructivism calls on the students to construct knowledge by researching, experimenting, and collaborating with peers. It stresses student empowerment and student-centered learning over teacher or textbook prescribed homework. Teachers in constructivist classrooms act as facilitators and coaches, not as the primary source of all knowledge. Students are taught to research information and create their own knowledge from their findings. The rewards for a finished project are ownership, confidence, and achievement.
Constructivism creates an environment friendly to student exploration and creativity.
Students are encouraged to expand and create their own knowledge. A computer allows the student to manipulate data, make presentations, and communicate with the world outside of the classroom. The computer is a student's companion in a constructivist classroom. In the constructivist classroom you will find students using computers to word process, data process, run simulations, talk to peers half way across the world and make present their findings to both their classmates and the rest of the world. You won't find them using computers for answering multiple choice tests.