Social learning at Work with Technology
Social learning theory suggests that students are actively engaged in constructing something while conversing with other students about the project at hand. “It is the conversations that help these students to comprehend the information.” (Orey, 2010)
When students work together they build self esteem and confidence by teaching each other and getting validation of their answers from their peers. (Orey, 2010) This plays an important role in learning as students must be able to apply what they have learned before they can teach it to someone else. As Dr. Orey states and I tell my students every day, “The best way to learn something is to teach it to someone else.”
Cooperative learning
Technology can play a unique role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration, providing structure for group tasks and allowing members to communicate even if they yare not working face to face. (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007) Implementing the construction of a “voice thread” in small groups would support social learning by allowing students to work together while using conversation to construct a voice thread on a particular subject. This method also provides each group with the ability to communicate over the internet at any time, in any part of the world, with out the need of being face to face. Students created multimedia is a natural environment for cooperative learning. In order form cooperative learning, each student needs to be assigned a specific role or responsibility. Otherwise, there can be students that take a back seat to the assignment. “Creating a multimedia project is a multipart task that requires many roles and responsibilities.” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007) The use of a grading rubric is one of the most effect ways in which a teacher can monitor student achievement with in a group. “Advanced organizers help to guide students through the learning process.” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007)
“Cooperative learning is not so much learning to cooperate as it is cooperating to learn.” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007) Now more than ever students can work together on a project that they can collaborate with other students from around the world.
21st century learners have the ability of receiving wide variety information, the key is teaching students how to filter the good from the bad. “The internet gives students access to experts in nearly any subject area. There are many Ask the Expert web sites that are devoted to answering student questions.” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007)
I see cooperative learning and the social learning theory as one of the most efficient and effective ways for students to learn. This method promotes positive reinforcement, responsibility and accountability, construction of an artifact that they are able to share with others.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010). Social learning theories. [DVD]. In Walden University: Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
T,
ReplyDeleteI too think that technology is easily adaptable to collaboration learning lessons. There is an abundance of Web 2.0 tools that address cooperative learning including: collaborative organizing, simulation games, and much more. Web enabled cooperative learning refers to the thriving medium the world wide web has become for collaboration in business, education, and personal lives. This addresses the three major components of social learning in that students are able to work at their own pace, contribute at their own levels, receive immediate feedback and confirmation, and is clearly applicable to real word situations.
I agree that when students work together they “build self esteem and confidence by teaching each other and getting validation fo rthier answers from their peers” (Towne, 2010). Collaborative learning opportunities, or cooperative learning, provide students with possibilities to “confirm and validate thoughts and receive encouragement” (Laureate Education, 2010g), both of which embolden student’s confidence and subsequently motivate students to continue learning. How do you encourage your students to give feedback to their peers in a formal process? In working with eighth graders I find that having students give two compliments, or things that they liked, and one thing that they would change is an effective and successful manner for incorporating reflection within the social learning process.
...Michael Wanmer
Thomas,
ReplyDeleteI agree that VoiceThread is a wonderful tool to aid in cooperative learning. The best way I have found to incorporate this tool is by integrating the Jigsaw method. Students start in groups and based on interest, choose an aspect of the particular topic the class is researching. After researching this aspect, they share their research with their group. The group can then construct a VoiceThread slide to present their information to the class. When the VoiceThread slides are completed, I email them to the parents. They have enjoyed listening to their students present the information as they discuss the knowledge they have gained. How have you incorporated this tool in your classroom?
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010g). Program #: Social learning theories with Michael Orey. [DVD]. In Walden University: Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.
I agree with what you stated about how cooperative learning promotes positive reinforcement and responsibility within students. When students take ownership of their ideas they feel proud and motivated to learn. I believe that when students are motivated to learn you have won half of the battle. When using and technology together when teachings students are always motivated to learn.
ReplyDeleteThomas,
ReplyDeleteYou quoted Dr. Orey in relation to teaching as a learning activity. I was surprised when he said,"Teachers should know this best!" It is so true, many teachers mention they really learned content once they had taught it. It is ironic that more teachers do not sieze the opportunities that cooperative learning can provide.