This week, we are asked to examine how social learning theories relate to certain cooperative learning strategies and social networking tools. Orey (2008a) discusses the "zone of proximal development" (Laureate Education, 2008) as what a student is capable of learning right now. How will these students learn this information in today's society? Mostly through collaboration with others (whether they learn right or wrong information, this is still the most likely method with which they will attain said information.)
Pitler et al. (2007) label many methods for collaborative learning in this week's resources, some of which I have used in the classroom, others I have not. One of the ideas I found intriguing was the idea of "keypals." This modern version of the penpal is instant, and could also use an application such as facebook to help students compile information and share ideas. This is an area I would like to explore as a teacher. In the past, I was actually afraid to use that technology, as there had been many stories about internet predators and misuse of social networking tools in schools.
However, instead of running away from the tools towards which students gravitate, we should be seeking to include them in our instruction. Siemens (2008b) describes connectivism as the integration of social networking technology into the learning environment. While still constructionist in theory, now social interaction can help boost idea generation. This can be achieved through use of wikis, podcasts, voicethreads and presentations. Hopefully, we can use the information gathered and compiled to increase achievement and knowledge.
-Stephen St. Georges
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008a). Social learning theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology . Baltimore : Orey.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008b). Connectivism as a learning theory [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology . Baltimore : Siemens.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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Stephen,
ReplyDeleteSometimes we are right to be wary of new technology, you are right. There is alot of scary stuff out there on the good ol' WWW. I think the first step is to try it ourselves and evaluate whether the tools are appropriate for whatever grade level/subject we are teaching. If yes, go right ahead and use it, teaching the students the right way to interact with it. If not, then at least you yourself learned a new tool! For example, I consider myself fairly open to new technological ideas...but I still don't see why I would use Twitter in elementary school (or honestly why it exists at all!) :)
~Erica Stianchi
Stephen,
ReplyDeleteI like how you stated “whether they learn right or wrong information, this is still the most likely method with which they will attain said information” and I couldn’t agree with you more. I believe one of the key components of gathering information from the web is determining the accuracy of the information. Like Thomas Edison’s quote “We now know a thousand ways not to build a light bulb.” Trial and error is one of the best methods of learning and most importantly retaining it.
When you spoke of hesitance of manipulating the web due to internet predators and misuse of social networking tools this also correlates with the learning of right from wrong. Students are bound to come across misusers. If we can teach them at an early age of the consequences and warning signs maybe they will be more likely to avoid the scary situations that arise today.
Great post and best of luck utilizing these new tools,
Stephanie Coultrip