Cooperative learning is a key component of social learning. Students construct meaning and new knowledge by interacting with others (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Cooperative learning is vital when using technology in the classroom. Students can get affirmation from their peers when they are working together. They bounce ideas off one another and build upon each other’s thinking (Laureate, 2008).
Constructivism as a learning theory correlates with social learning because oftentimes students are creating their own knowledge (Laureate, 2008). They are able to construct ideas and create artifacts together and have questions answered by their peers. When students learn a new concept they are able to teach others around them. Children are using the connectivism theory when they are forming networks through their learning. The more they work together the more concepts they can network. This bridges social and cultural dimensions of learning together (Laureate, 2008).
Students who are working with technology may not always be working side by side one another, rather they may be collaborating and communicating through their learning tools. Children may be working together to create web resources, Web Quests, create web sites, and utilize communication software. Students who are encountering peers from other parts of the United States and other parts of the world are faced with the challenge of understanding their languages and cultures ((Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). This provides them with rich and beneficial networks.
Laureate Education Inc. (2008). “Social Learning Theories.” Baltimore, MD: Laureate Education Inc.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Collaboration with peers is such a fun activity with my students. I wish that more teachers would realize how much easier it is and how many more ideas that students are exposed to. Do you use collaborative technology in your classroom? I like how you stated that students who are working with technology may not always be working side by side one another but may be collaborating and communicating through their learning tools. Most students already do this without us even knowing about it.
ReplyDeleteAs I watch my own child grow up, I can immagine the social network he may be a part of in elementary school. I can see him communicating with children his age all around the world. Working with children with different cultures and languages will be a challenge, but will also be rewarding.
ReplyDelete