Take a look at my newly created voice thread: Carnival in Antigua - its economic viability
Human beings are social
creatures. We thrive on social
interaction and collaborative feedback.
Dr. Michael Orey, in his discussion on the social learning theory observed
that students cannot do any form of learning on their own as they need someone
to help them (Laureate Education Inc., 2010a).
George Siemens asserted that learning is the act of forming and
navigating networks of knowledge and decisions are based on rapidly altering
foundations (Laureate Education Inc., 2010b).
If these are true, then students should be taught with the social
learning theory in mind.
In order to improve
interaction among learners, it is recommended that teachers utilize the cooperative
learning instructional strategy. It assumes
that students learn and make sense of new knowledge through their interaction
with others (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007, p. 139). The groups could be informal or
informal. However their organization,
students can rely on their peers for feedback and stimulation.
When technology is
integrated into the process, learning and teaching becomes more interactive and
exciting. Web-enabled collaborative
learning provides students with access to experts that they would otherwise not
be able to learn from (Pitler, et al., 2007, p. 144). Facilitators can now use a variety of web
based resources at their disposal. Some
examples are voice threads, web-quests, web-enabled multiplayer simulated
games, blogs, wikis, podcasts, and virtual world interactive presentations to
mention a few. Social networking facilities such as Facebook,
Twitter and MySpace can also serve a valuable purpose in teaching students
collaboratively. They could also provide
an opportunity to keep parents informed on classroom learning activities.
Take a look at my first
voice thread creation on the economic viability of local government continuing a
cultural festivity on the island of Antigua and Barbuda. It is intended to generate much discussion
and at the end, students or the general public can make suggestions on its economic
and cultural viability.
The social learning
theory is indeed the foundation of all learning and interaction. Once this is borne in mind, the very nature
and culture of the classroom can change.
What do you think?
References
Laureate
Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program eight: Social learning theories
[Video webcast]. Bridging learning
theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Laureate
Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program nine: Connectivism as a learning
theory [Video webcast]. Bridging learning
theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., &
Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that
works. Alexandria,
VA: ASCD.
I agree that when technology is integrated learning and teaching become more engaging and motivating. I find myself to be more engaged in the coursework through this Master's program when it includes actually using the technology we are discussing that week. I like creating artifacts that can be used in the classroom, it seems to have more of a purpose for me, not just thought of as busy work.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct Emily, technology really makes a different in the teaching learning environment. The idea of social learning is something that is very important as well. We could very easily ignore the fact that we are social in nature and as a result learn better when there is collaboration. This week's learning resources were indeed very thought provoking.
ReplyDeleteI agree that using the technology that we are learning really helps in using it in the classroom. I am a hands on learner, so learning to use these devices will help me spread it on to the classroom. I believe that social learning is the cornerstone of our academic environment and collaboration can only help achieve it.
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