Social Learning is definitely important in today’s classrooms. Students can be actively engaged in learning while collaborating with others and working with technology. The text, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, provides many web collaborative links including a link called JASONS Project that focuses on hands-on science activities for students (Pitler et al., 2007). Even though I teach first grade and the text suggests using this link for students grades 4-9, I still thought this site was really cool!
A major theorist in social learning is Lev Vygotsky. Vygotsky believed in the “Zone of Proximal Development” and believed that children should learn age appropriate information then have support of their learning through others. He called these “others” in learning the “More Knowledgeable Other” (Laureate Education Inc., 2009). To me, that means that I am a “More Knowledgeable Other” for my students. I feel it is my duty as an educator to provide as much knowledge to my students as possible and to create meaningful learning experiences so students retain information while working together, exploring, and having fun.
One of the ways I plan to continue to create meaningful learning experiences is by incorporating the interactive Voice Thread. I think this could be a very powerful tool for my students. It may take time for my young students to be able to create and use this, but I am up for the challenge. I created a Voice Thread for my students like Mrs. Kathryn Arnold suggested for Application #5. Here is the link to my very first Voice Thread: http://voicethread.com/share/1184881/.
In conclusion, I feel that educators can use so many social learning ideas in the classroom. There is so much learning that occurs when working with others and allowing students to work with and teach each other is priceless.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Online Learning in K-12 Schools
13 years ago
Posts
I agree that learning can take place when students work together and when they can "teach" each other. I remember in 10th grade biology class teaching my friends the various concepts when we would get together and study. I still remember what we learned that year because I was able to understand the material and then "teach" it. When we allow students to share what they know and help out others, good learning takes place and I think the students make more connections when they can talk it out.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more!
ReplyDeleteMrs. Winner,
ReplyDeleteI agree that VoiceThread is a wonderful tool. I think it will help the students learn how to work together and also allow them to have meaningful learning experiences. I also plan to use VoiceThread in my classroom. Good luck using VoiceThread in your first grade classroom. I am sure your students will learn to love creating VoiceThreads.
Ashley
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI showed my students my Voice Thread this week and they thought it was really cool. I was able to spark a pretty good conversation between my students and I about working as a team and promoting teamwork. Thanks for your encouragement!