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.
Tom,
I think one of the best applications of technology right now is that it offers us the ability to work together from anywhere.
My sisters and I are trying to put together a book about our family history, inspired by our Dad who just passed away. It is so exciting to go back to our Google Doc and find changes! And to be able to have all of us contribute both material and edits, from all over the United States.
We use Good Docs a lot at school. It was slow to catch on, but now, that’s just how the school works. Students and faculty alike. Small steps, but we are working on becoming a truly 21st Century school!
That is awesome, Lydia!
Technology can indeed be exciting when utilized as you and your sisters are. It is almost like opening a present when you are working interactively on something and are eager to see what they contributing members’ take on something looks like. This is possibly a big reason why students enjoy interacting on social media platforms. If it works there, it can surely work in a classroom!
Good luck in your 21st century endeavor! I feel we are getting there slowly but surely getting there as well in my district.
Thanks for your many great replies,
Tom
Tom,
It is a thrill. Well, except when someone (no names mentioned) deletes a part you really liked.
I used Google sites with 6th graders to create a digital Colonial Times newspaper. You can actually see the excitement and feel the urgency to get peers to look at this or read that…typing speed was definitely up for the course of that project!
Best luck with your classes. You are correct, slowly but surely…we can DO this!
Lydia
Tom,
A great thing that I observed with my students as they collaborated in their groups, was that it helps to build relationships. Even the students who were reserved began to feel more comfortable to share their ideas in the groups. No one felt alone or isolated because they now belonged to group.
Technology also helps students to express themselves via Google docs,Blogs,Twitter and so many other websites.These sites help students to communicate more effectively and will boost their confidence when other people leave comments on their pages about their work.
Important observation, Lydia. We recently merged our two high schools, and relationship building is very important at this stage since the students do not all know each other well having come from two different schools. The class where I have done the most cooperative learning activities feels the most “family like” to me. Not only do I know my students fairly well in this class, but I feel like they are getting to know one another better as well. This is a natural consequence of effective cooperative learning.
Thanks for the reply,
–Tom