Social learning theories are all about working together, creating and artifact and learning information in a group. In our text this week, we learned about cooperative learning. Cooperative learning is when students interact with others in a group to learn. The interaction with others helps the learning to take place. This is an epitome of social learning theories. Technology can help this skill and learning theory come alive. Sometimes when one works in a group it is hard to find time to coordinate to accomplish the task. Technology allows learning to happen anytime, anywhere- students would not have to work face to face.
I believe that blogs and wikis are two great resources where students can use cooperative learning. A wiki is one huge cooperative learning site if the teacher allows the student to edit. If it is just the teacher’s wiki it is not as geared towards cooperative learning. Blogs are another place that students can communicate with each other, especially if they were working on a project together.
I am not sure I would want to use facebook as a social learning site within my classroom because technically you are suppose to be 13 to have a facebook page and 5th graders are not that age. I hesitate with technology when it comes to that; I am too afraid my students would use it incorrectly- for only social purposes not academic purposes.
I browsed through the webquest site (http://webquest.org/) . That is a terrific resource. I searched 3-5th grade Social Studies and there were some amazing webquests that have already been created just ready to be shared and used. I will need to take advantage of that site. A webquest would be a great cooperative learning tool. 2 or 3 students could work on completing the quest together and it would enhance learning or deepen the topic that is being covered.
Voice thread was a new tool for me. I have learned so many new tools in my last two courses at Walden. At first, I was hesitant about it; but now that I have worked with it a little bit I can see its possible potential within the classroom. I can see how students could work on a voice thread in a cooperative group also. They could create a voice thread in a group or individually, but commenting on a voice thread would be a way to learn from each other. My thought with my voice thread was that I have my students read Hatchet by Gary Paulsen or Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell during second quarter. Either before we start ready or after the first few chapters, I would have them watch and listen to this voice thread. They would be allowed to comment on it. It would serve as a teaser to a project that would complete. In groups of 2 or 3 they would need to describe and think about how they would survive is they were stranded and alone in the middle of the wilderness or on an island. They would need to tell me how they spend their days and what they would use and created to survive. They could then use a tool like power point, a wiki, or a blog to tell their story of survival. It would allow them to experience what the main character of their particular book experienced.
Voice Thread Link: http://voicethread.com/share/2905961/
Cooperative learning has its time and place in the classroom. It should not be the only learning style used, but it should definitely be used. The students need to learn how to work in a productive group to create a finished product. I have not attempted to incorporate many of those technology tools mentioned within our text, but I guess it is time to step outside of my box and see if they are successful in helping my students learn.
References:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
I agree with you regarding cooperative learning-there is a time and place. Students can learn by working with others, definitely. However, sometimes they may have to begin on their own to analyze the knowledge in order to develop their own understanding before sharing.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your voice thread. I love the idea of discovering if we have what it takes to survive in either of those circumstances. In this activity, I like that you have small groups and/or partners who will work together to answer the survival questions.
It is my understanding that we should invite a colleague to work together on a project or problem for this weeks application. Did you have any thoughts as how to proceed? Would you like to work together? I am still trying to figure out what the activity could entail. Send me a comment either through my blog (posted below) or, if you like,in our discussion board. Thanks.
I also agree that cooperative learning has a time and place in the classroom. I believe that when it is used effectively it can be a helpful teaching and learning strategy to use. If it is used too much it can become more of a social event rather than a social learning experience. I believe that the social learning experience can be more effective if it is used with other learning theories. The fact is that all students learn differently so it is helpful to use a variety of learning theories to address the needs of all learners in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteYes, sometimes it becomes more social than anything else. I also struggle with how to make groups or let them pick groups. I also need to give them effective tasks not just "silly" tasks to accomplish. If I make it more meaningful, they will learn more from each other.
DeleteRenee Scott
I have to agree with you when you discuss the time and place for cooperative learning in the classroom. While students enjoy cooperative learning and I believe that there is a benefit to it as well, sometimes students have to be able to do things on their own. Each of our students learn in a different way and at some point we have to recognize that all students have to have their learning style met so that they can also be successful.
ReplyDeleteI also have to agree with you and your discussion of Facebook. Although the "policy" is that kids are not supposed to have an account until they are 13, there are still kids who have them prior to that age. Facebook is too much of a social network to serve as an authentic learning experience. I really like the idea and uses of wikis and blogs for documenting and adding to ones learning. I think that they use of these tools will really help students prepare for their future lives as adults. Do you currently use a wiki or blogs with your students? How time consuming do you find their use?
Kristen I do not yet because of the time of the year. I do plan on using one of each for the 2012-2013 school year. I have been taking lots of notes and ideas down. The more I use the tools, the more comfortable I am becoming. Plus, I need to write up a technology policy for my parents and students on how to use the tools correctly. I thought it would be easier to start in the beginning of a school year, verses the end.
DeleteRenee Scott