Humans are social creatures. From birth we begin learning from our social interactions with others. As students enter our classroom, we need to allow them to continue with what they do best – learning through social interactions. As teachers it is our responsibility to provide them with the knowledge they need to expand on what they already know, and begin to grasp new concepts and work together with classmates in order to continue the learning process. Orey, 2010 explains how students who are working together constructively on projects or in small groups, they are engaged in conversations which help them learn (Laureate Education, Inc, 2010).
Our learning resources this week gave us valuable information on how technology can enhance student learning through collaboration and social learning. This is supported biy (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007) who state “technology facilitates group collaboration, providing structure for group tasks, and allowing members of groups to communicate even if they are not working face to face” They explain how the interaction during cooperative learning enhances what is being taught.
My students use blogs and wikis, as well as a social networking education site to complete assignments (edmodo.com). They also create posters online through edu.glogster.com. They can be assessed, by showing what they have learned and how they mastered the indicators they have been taught, they also have to provide feedback on each other’s work, and this makes them not only more engaged, but more responsible in the work they turn in, knowing that everyone can see it. Social learning is a key component in my classroom, using these technology tools has not only made my students more engaged than I have ever seen before – it also has improved their test scores on the indicators they are taught.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010) Program Number 8: Social Learning Theories [Webcast]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
It is great to see students engaged in their learning and be able to display their learning in a social setting as well. I think that the social learning theories and strategies that we explored this week are a great way to do both.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the site addresses for some of the tools you use. Where do you display your students’ work? Do you have a blog or site?