Orey tells us that social constructivism is collaborative learning engaged in creating artifacts and conversing with others. He goes on to say that conversation can help one understand and that context and culture are critical in constructing knowledge and understanding of the world around us. The social learning theories intertwine nicely with the cooperative learning strategy that focuses on students interacting in groups to advance learning.
Technology is a critical tool in implementing group learning and collaboration. It provides a structure for students to work together in completing projects and to communicate from where ever they might be. Some resources that support cooperative learning are Google docs, wikis, and voice thread. Also, there are resources available to help students organize information for their project-public bookmarks such as delicious and shared calendars such as Google calendar,
Pitler tells us “technology allows students to collaborate on projects without the constraint of time or geography” (Pitler, 2007, p.153). Technology is a great tool for providing anytime, anywhere learning. It provides a means for students to communicate through various means such as Skype that allow students to communicate and create a project even if they are in various places. Cooperative learning allows students to communicate so they can learn from one another and create together. Through cooperative learning activities, students stay actively engaged in learning therefore supporting life long learning.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
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Hi Rebekah,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you mention the role of cultural context in students' understanding and learning. I also believe it's very important. Through cooperative learning strategy, students are able to not only share their views and opinion but others suggestions are all individually and culturally diverse. They not only get more idea out of these kind of discussion and sharing. But also broaden their horizon and thus deepen their understanding of the same topic. Information like this is valuable and it's very difficult for teachers to provide to our students. We teacher might have our own view about the world, and yet together with all their classmates, if will be a lot of different views and ideas. The result is definitely greater than the sum of its parts!
Sarah
Rebekah,
ReplyDeleteOne of the quotes you mentioned in your blog that really stood out was from Pitler, “technology allows students to collaborate on projects without the constraint of time or geography” (Pitler, 2007, p.153). This is true in our current situations as Master's Degree students. Although we all have different schedules and live in various states and countries around the world, we are all able to use technology at our convenience. In one of our previous courses, we all were asked to work together to create a wiki; this is a great example of collaborative learning from afar. Although we were not talking to one another in person, we were able to communicate effectively to create a group project. Technology definitely is beneficial in so many ways!
Thanks for sharing,
Shannon
It is amazing how many dimensions can be brought together from around the world to provide advice, input, and etc. to provide meaningful learning to take place. I love being able to communicate, collaborate with people all over-I myself have learned so much-especially since I recently joined twitter-it's amazing the information that I have gained in using technology in the classroom! I just wish I was in my comfort zone in implementing these tools in the classroom-that's my goal starting next week!
ReplyDeleteRebekah,
ReplyDeleteCooperative learning groups allow our students to have valuable opportunities to display their own unique individual strengths and teach others through these strengths serving as the Most Knowledgeable Other with their peers. This is a powerful tool in gaining student interest and motivation to learn within a group because they become their individual experience and knowledge valuable resource in learning and problem-solving. As teachers we also have the ability tho learn more about how our students process information through observation. I do believe our students serve as a valuable resource in the learning process and these types of activities are important in not only their educational development but also their social development as well.
Thanks,
Lynda
Lynda,
ReplyDeleteSo True!! Whether we realize it or not, teachers are responsible for the whole student-social development and academic development-the total individual. Cooperative learning activities are indeed great ways to help students grow in these areas and to prepare them for the 21st century workplace.
Rebekah,
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that “technology allows students to collaborate on projects without the constraint of time or geography". As technology advances on a daily basis, this becomes more and more true. I find myself twittering with people from my mobile phone from just about anywhere. Whenever you have a thought, you have an audience. Sometimes the feedback is good, sometimes not, but either way you are communicating your thoughts.
When students communicate their thoughts they have the chance to enhance their knowledge. With the ever expanding resources of social networking, our students will continue to be provided with new opportunities to share their learning. Their "cooperative groups" continue to grow.
I think online classes will be the biggest damage to most social skills. The student-teacher and student-student skills along with the collaboration of group work has serverely changed for in my preception the worse.
ReplyDelete