This week at Walden University, the focus is on social learning theories, in particular, social constructivism. According to Orey (n.d.), social learning theories describe learning as the result of artifact creation through social interactions (Laureate Education Inc. ).
The instructional strategy examined this week, was cooperative learning. By its very nature, cooperative learning is clearly grounded in social learning theories. Since students in well-constructed cooperative learning settings are engaged with others as a product is created, Orey (2001) claims that meaningful learning will occur (Assumptions of Social Constructivism Section, para. 4). Piter, Hubbell, & Kuhn (2012) describe cooperative learning as an environment focusing on student interactions that facilitate their learning (p.73). This sounds remarkably similar to the primary philosophy of social learning theory that was previously described.
Pitler et al (2012) go on to describe a number of technological settings in which cooperative learning can occur. Student multimedia projects, in which students work together to create video or animated films, can be designed so that a group of students can each have a role in the finished product (p. 75). Technology also enables cooperative learning even when it is difficult for students to meet in groups during school hours to work on their projects. Students can use platforms such as Skype, Facetime, (p.80) or even multiplayer simulations such as The Sims (p. 85) in order to interact outside of the classroom.
Thank you for reading my post this week. You can access my VoiceThread for the coming application at: https://voicethread.com/new/share/6104418/
References:
Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Social learning theories [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Main_Page
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.