Social learning theorists assert that students learn best when they are able to construct artifacts while they converse with others (Orey, 2008). The social learning theory embraces the power that students working together can have on their learning. Students can learn together by constructing images, share ideas, analyze information and making decisions (Woolfolk, 1993). Students that have a particular skill or knowledge can pass that knowledge on to the others as they work on their projects. Closely linked to the social learning theory is the instructional strategy known as cooperative learning. "Cooperative learning focuses on having students interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their learning" (Pitler et al, 2007 p. 139).
Technology can facilitate cooperative learning by enabling students communicate as they collaborate on constructing their group projects. Interactive tools such as face book, voice thread and wiki allow students to communicate with each other even when they are not working face to face. Another important aspect of cooperative learning is that information is passed from those who know to those who need to know(Orey, 2008). Technology can serve as this "knowledgeable other" by acting as knowledge resource for the group. Dr. Orey (2008) described an instructional strategy where students use Internet resources to construct meaning then use PowerPoint presentation to teach fellow students. Students can better understand the material as they teach it to others. With all of the above said, I can conclude that many of the technological tools that we have been exposed to for this week correlates well with the social learning perspectives.
Reference:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory,Instruction and technology. Baltimore: Dr. Orey.
Pitler, H.,Hubbell, E., Matt, K.,Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Alexandria: ASCD.
Woolfolk, A. (1993). Education Psychology (5th ed.). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Social is another way that we can get in touch with that "knowledgable other" that learners so seek out. Not only do they look to teachers, friends, colleagues, they can unwittingly find these resources while they are on social networking sites.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your conclusion that the technology that we have explored this week fits into social learning. Now the question is how do we as teachers apply them to the classroom in effective and engaging lessons.
ReplyDeleteTechnology has made communicating and networking with each other really efficient and easy. And I agree with students teaching to other students; it gives the student who is the teacher a better understanding of the material and the student learning from the student learns through that students diction rather from the teacher (hopefully that made sense). Children seem to have their own language with each other when it comes to communicating about anything.
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