Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

            The instructional strategies described in this week’s Learning Resources directly correlate with the principles of social learning theories. To begin, the social learning theory is described as an association of humans developing and sharing knowledge, while utilizing technology to facilitate and connect those networks (Kim, 2001). Cooperative learning relates to social learning theories because it too involves the integration of technology and invites the students to work together, in order to collaborate ideas and knowledge (Palmer, Peters, & Streetman, 2003). This way of learning provides various learning opportunities to improve students’ understanding of a concept through creating, analyzing, and applying their prior and learned knowledge. Students work together towards a common goal; however, each student is held accountable for their own work, as well.

            Some learning strategies that reflect cooperative or social learning theories are” Think Pair and Share”, “Jigsaw”, “Split-class Discussion”, “Send-a-Problem”, “3-Step Interview”, or by simply the students work in groups according to their ability, interest, friendship, diversities, age, gender, etc (Palmer, at el, 2003). All of these strategies require students to socialize and work collaboratively to share ideas, discuss topics, and solve problems. If implemented effectively, teachers and students will witness the benefits of cooperative learning. These benefits are observed within four categories: social, psychological, academic, and assessment (Palmer, at el, 2003).

           
            “Technology can play a unique and vital role in cooperative and/or social 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, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Some social networking and collaboration tools I explored this week include, Wikis, Blogs, VoiceThreads, WebQuests, Keypals, and other advanced technologies.

            Overall, students must to value working cooperatively and/or socially in order to learn or work towards a common goal, especially by way of the various technology tools that exist today and in the future. Social learning theories include peer collaboration, problem-base learning and instructions, WebQuests, and other methods that require cooperative learning with others (Kim, 2001).

                                                                                                          Jacquelyn Caliente

References:

Kim, B. (2001). Social constructivism. In M. Orey (ed)., Emerging perspectives on

            learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved May 22, 2012, from

            http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Social_Constructivism.

Palmer, G., Peters, R., & Streetman, R. (2003). Cooperative learning. In M. Orey (Ed.),

            Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved

            May 22, 2012, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with

            classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

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*My URL for the VoiceThread I Created:

                     http://www.voicethread.com/share/3149085

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Here are technology tools I found interesting:

http://www.epals.com/

(Collaborative communication tool. FREE and easy to use!)

http://www.internet4classrooms.com/why_webquest.htm

(To create WebQuests)

http://webquest.sdsu.edu/templates/lesson-template1.htm 

(Shows how WebQuests are designed and work)

http://www.Edmodo.com

(online Blog)

https://www.google.com/calendar

(online calendar)