The social learning theory is based on collaboration. It is about being actively engaged/constructing learning, but it also includes an element where the learner has conversations about what they are doing. Social learning has the idea that students teach each other. Dr. Orey states that teaching others helps the learner to develop a deeper understanding of the content. Social learning also has an element of connectivism in it. Connectivism holds that knowledge resides in the pattern of how different concepts are networked. Learning is the act of forming networks and navigating networks of knowledge (Laureate, 2008).
Technology is the perfect tool for the social learning theory. “Technology can play a unique and vital role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration, providing structure for group tasks, and allowing members of groups to communicate even if they are not working face to face” (Pitler, et. al, 2007, pg. 140). “Student created multimedia is a natural environment for cooperative learning” (Pitler, et.al, 2007, pg. 141). In a project such as this students often use the jigsaw strategy where each member of the collaborative team is responsible for learning information and teaching it to teammates (Laureate, 2008). These situations are great preparation for the workforce students will one day become a part of.
Technology also offers us web- enabled collaborative learning where students can engage in collaborative projects across the globe. A technology that I want to explore for use in my own classroom is keypals- an email pen pal. “Communication with students in other cities, states, and countries broadens the perspective of students and challenges them to learn about other cultures, languages, and issues throughout the world ( Pitler, et. al, 2007, pg. 145). I think my own students would really love to have pen pals from across the world. I remember having a pen pal when I was in grade school. Getting and writing letters to someone I had never met was exciting.
The amount of web based collaborative projects available to us is really limitless. Web 2.0 allows students to work together to create web or wiki pages, blogs and podcasts. These types of projects allow collaboration without restrictions to time and space. Students could work together with people from all over the globe. These types of collaborations would expose students to cultural experiences that would not have been possible a few years ago. It is these types of collaborations that I believe will be the most beneficial to students in regards to preparing them for the world outside of school.
Resources:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Laureate Education Inc. (Producer). (2009). Program 8. Social learning theory [Motion Picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology Baltimore: Author.
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Amber,
ReplyDeleteYou make excellent comments on the use of web 2.0 tools for implementing social learning theory. One example of this is our Voicethread assignment this week. Figuring out how to create a voicethread is an individual act. I utilized the provided resources, combined the information with my previous experience and created a product. However, viewing a variety of voicethreads, and interacting with others through the voicethread resulted in a much better understanding of the tool. The social aspect of the assignment is what created the understanding. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Amber!
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of using keypals. Each year as part of our informational expository unit in writing, my students select and research a country for a presentation that includes authentic food, dress etc. I think an email pen pal program would add another dimension to the assignment and make it more meaningful for my students. Maybe next year my students could select their country at the beginning of the year and then use ePals to connect with a child in that country to build as part of the learning process. Not only would my student be learning about another culture, but he/she would be teaching the other child about like here in Pennsylvania.
My building received a $10,000 grant from Best Buy this year to purchase technology equipment. One of the tools we are purchasing are flip cameras. Not only can my students now tell about where they live, they can also include video. I'm very excited about starting the project and am hopeful it is something my students will remember for years to come.
Congrats to your building on gettin the grant and to your administration for keeping technology moving forward. Our district had made a big commitment to technology a few years back, but that program has been also where they are making the most drastic cuts as we are trying to balance a budget where funding is tied to propery values - which we all know are bottoming out currently.
ReplyDeleteI love your ideas of breaking down global barriers and hopefully will continue to hear about your endeavors through our next courses.
Ken- I am making a commitment to myself to try to implement more web 2.0 technologies next year. I agree that they can really help to solidify concepts with students.
ReplyDeleteKristen- I hope that epals is successful for you next year. I am looking forward to trying it next year as well.