CLE-based learning model is based on the implementation of Constructivist Learning Environments that focus on problem-solving scenarios where students can create innovative solutions with the aid of technology as well as tutors' support.

1. Constructivist Learning Environments (CLEs)
By Juan Maestre
Professor Paul Kim, Stanford University.

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. These students are
about 22 years old and are familiar with computers,
the Internet and mobile devices.
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
In these courses there are a few
blind students. For them, the CLEs
would incorporate software which
would enable them to interact with Constructive Learning Technology /
infrastructure
information sources and Environment (CLE)
technology via special software Multimedia
such as Jaws. 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.