Social learning theories deal with how students learn through interaction with each other (Laureate Inc, 2009). There are many benefits to a social learning theory, such as they promote social interaction, they build social networks, students feel safer because they have a group to rely on, grades increase, and working in a group provides instant feedback (Kim, 2001). Personally, the main benefit that I can see is how social learning prepares the children for their future. They need to work on class projects that are similar to the way adults perform tasks in real life.
The book, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works (2007) explores many resources that directly correlates to the learning theories. For instance, the first resource from the chapter, “Cooperative Learning,” is about creating a multimedia video to present to the class. Making a video requires a lot of organization, preparation, and the many components call for a collaborate team to complete. Through this process of collaboration, the students will be engaged, they will work together, they will receive constant feedback from one another, they have a team to rely on, and they will gain a higher depth of knowledge about the actual presented material.
Other resources from the book include interactive games, web quests, website creation, and even something as simple as ichat or Skype. I think that it is amazing that students can essential collaborate face to face via Skype without having to leave their house. When I was in school, the teachers shied away from collaborative projects that were not completed exclusive within the school day because if I needed to meet with a peer after school, my parents had to drive me to his/her house. Now imagine the luxury of just turning on a computer at a given time and collaborating face to face with multiple members of your group. The possibilities are endless.
Resources:
Kim, B. (2001). Social Constructivism.. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Laureate Education Inc. (Producer). (2009). Social learning theory [Motion Picture]. 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.
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The last sentence of your second paragraph says it all.That is, the process of collaboration not only keeps the students engaged and provides a two way feedback but culminates in them acquiring a higher depth of knowledge about the topic studied.Michael Orey(Laureate Education, Inc.2009) affirms that learning is the act of forming networks and navigating networks of knowledge.The ease with which they can collaborate is therefore note worthy.
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Laureate Education, Inc.(producer).(2009).Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. [DVD].Baltimore
Charles --
ReplyDeleteTools like Skype have really changed the ways we look at the world. We even saw that impact in church as we held a two-way video conversation with missionaries overseas via Skype during a morning service. It was an amazing impact on people who may have never left their hometown to see how vastly different life could be in another part of the world.
Much the same thing could be said for the educational world. I really hope to use online tools next year as I begin teaching International Baccalaureate classes. It is my plan to network with other IB schools in Quatar, Japan, and Scotland in social-learning activities.