According to the principles of the social learning theories, "When students work in cooperative groups, they make sense of, or construct meaning for, new knowledge by interacting with others" (Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, and Pitler, 2008). Various forms of technology can facilitate group collaboration not only within the classroom, but "even in some of the world's most remote regions" (Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, and Pitler, 2008). I think that one of the greatest aspects of students being involved in a social learning project is that they are able to participate in cooperative teaching. As Dr. Orey stated, "Teaching others helps the learner develop a deeper understanding of the content."
After researching multiple instructional strategies, I have found that the some of the most useful social learning tools are right at our students' fingertips. Two weeks ago, we discussed virtual field trips. Webquests are like virtual field trips, but they also allow students "from multiple locations to work together to learn about a particular subject or to tackle a particular project or problem" (Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, and Pitler, 2008)
Online Website creation is a fantastic way for students to collaboratively create an online global "artifact." Website creation, years ago, was for the technologically elite. Nowadays, with programs and websites like www.coolpage.com, iWeb, and Microsoft Office Publisher, website creation can be accomplished by just about any student at any age.
On top of that, Web 2.0 tools such as wikis and blogs allow easy access for global collaboration.
www.jigsaw.com allows students to learn socially by having them collaboratively construct an artifact that can be used to cooperatively teach a concept. Basically, everything we need to aid our students in social learning is just a click away. The more exposure our students have to this type of learning, the more successful they will become in the "fast-paced, virtual workplace they will inherit" (Friedman, 2005).
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Brooke,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the social learning theory can be a very effective way for students to learn. I really enjoy watching students work in groups and help/teach each other. You mentioned that cooperative/collaborative learning will help students become successful in the fast-paced, virtual world. I think learning to work as a team will also help them when they enter college.
Brooke,
ReplyDeleteI love having my students work in groups. It is so exciting to see one student teaching another,each of them contributing,and to see them both succeed.They are so proud of themselves. Have your students done any projects on www.coolpage.com?
What a neat idea thank you for sharing the great website! I agree if we can teach our students to communicate now with students around the world they would be so much better off.
ReplyDeleteMark,
ReplyDeleteI agree that this is a skill that will be necessary for students to have as they enter college. In reflecting on my own years as a college student, many of the projects that were required of my major were done collaboratively. Now that I am in the education profession, having this skill is more important than ever. I can only hope that I am able to impart this same skill to my students.
Kristin,
ReplyDeleteI haven't yet had the opportunity to introduce the coolpage website with my students. It is definitely something that I am going to try to infuse into the curriculum. However, I am in the process of having them set up VoiceThread accounts in order to share their dialogue journal entries. I am meeting with someone from the department of instructional technology sometime next week. We don't have technology as a special this year, so it's so hard to find the time. I definitely think that the resources are right at our fingertips though.
Brooke, I think cooperative learning is one of the most important theories in education. I enjoy watching students work in groups and help each other. They are great at helping each other learn in ways we may not be able to.
ReplyDeleteOur students can teach eachother so much, and social learning theories help to support that. We need to get our students together as much as we can in our classes.
ReplyDelete