According to Dr. Orey, a social learning theory occurs when students actively engage in constructing artifacts and conversing with each other. It is said that conversation helps students understand. For my part, I do believe that students work better when they are placed in groups and are encouraged to communicate with more knowledgeable others (MKO). Teaching others helps the learner develop a deeper understanding of the content.
The cooperative learning strategy goes hand in hand with the social learning theory. According to Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn and Malenoski, cooperative learning focuses on having students interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their learning. The use of technology is huge in cooperative learning, because it allows groups to work together even when they cannot make face-to-face contact. It can also help facilitate group collaboration and provide structure for group tasks. Examples of use of technology for cooperative learning groups include: multimedia, web resources, keypals, webquests and web site creation.
I do incorporate a lot of cooperative learning in my classroom on a daily basis. In fact, I believe that it is a very important component. However, I honestly have not done it with the use of technology. I teach Kindergarten, which means I have to spend a lot of time on the fundamental building blocks of education. However, I do believe my young students could do a cooperative group learning project with technology if they were given the proper guidance.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Social learning theory). (2011). Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Orey M.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Hi Carri,
ReplyDeleteVoicethread might be a nice tech. tool for your kindergarten. I was thinking of a project where students each got a letter and maybe drew an animal that started with that letter, and then recorded some thoughts about that animal and made the letter sound? Maybe something like that? The letters could be compiled into an alphabet.
I find VT can be a nice tool for young students if they have a bit of help.
Thanks for posting.
Dr. Krauss,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice. I was actually trying to find a way to use voicethread with my students. I love the idea.
Carri,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your comment that teaching others helps develop a deeper understanding of the content because it takes a deep level of understanding to show someone else how to do something. This is why cooperative groups is so effective because students start helping one another and this causes them to develop a deeper understanding of the content area.
Carrie,
ReplyDeleteYoung students who are still learning the basics of "how" to go to school need a lot of social interaction. They're still learning what is socially expected of them, so the fact that you do cooperative learning is fantastic!
I saw a kindergarten teacher in my district do a voice thread where her students completed a writing piece in school. Then she scanned each piece onto her thumbdrive and uploaded them to voicethread. She had a parent helper have each student go back to the computer and read their writing and explain their picture. After each student had shared about their own writing, she shared the link with parents, and invited the students to go home and look at other people's work and comment. The response she got was great! Most of her class responded at home, and many of her students wanted to respond again at school, so she took them to the computer lab (again with parent help) and allowed them to respond to another piece of writing. I hope this helps get some ideas going for you. Good luck!
~Colleen