The instructional strategy, cooperative learning, focuses on having students interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their learning (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski 2007). This is something teachers have been doing for centuries, students working in groups, so what has changed? Technology is one of the things that has changed over the centuries and today’s students to be able to feel comfortable in learning have to use technology. The principles of social learning theories, according to Dr. Orey are: Students actively engage in constructing artifacts and conversing with others, students cannot do it alone they need the more knowledgeable other: could be teacher, peer, or parent, and Context and culture are critical in constructing knowledge and understanding of the world around us (Laureate Education, Inc.).
How do the cooperative learning and the principle social learning theories correlate? The correlation between the two is technology. Students can works in groups over a Google doc and not even be in the same room. This allows students to work in their comfort zone of the techno world and use the benefits of the cooperative learning strategy of students working together.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007), Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCDLaureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program eight: Social learning theories [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology.
I agree that cooperative learning has been going on for centuries. Technology make a huge difference to day. I beleive it is spectacular that students can work in groups and each one can be at their own house completing their part of a project. That is why I am trying to start a blog page for my class. I beleive I will get a lot of good feedback because students will be in that comfort zone, then I will be able to reach those students who are extremely shy to participate in class.
ReplyDeleteTechnology can be a major boost to social learning. Moving forward, not only will technology enhance opportunities within the classroom, but it can also open the door to working with students all over the world. The use of wikis, blogs, and other social networks will help prepare students for future endeavors in the work force. I look to incorporate these technologies into my class lessons. I think it would be neat to work on a fitness assignment or project with another PE class in the district, or possibly somewhere else in the world.
ReplyDeleteI feel that today students are put into student-centered groups more than when we went to school, because now teachers have things like technology to help and support those groups. Technology makes learning more fun and engaging rather than just reading a text and looking at a picture. Technology can be used by video or audio which will help those that may not be at a good reading level and they will not fall short of the learning experience.
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