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This week we explored social learning theory. Basically, social learning theory states that learning occurs when students, "actively engage in constructing artifacts and conversing with each other." (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010) Students definitely demonstrate better understanding of material when they give voice to their though processes and receive input from others regarding their thoughts. I constantly encourage my students to "teach" each other how to solve a problem or even to teach their parents how to do the homework problems.
The technologies presented this week offer several opportunities for students to work together to create and share artifacts demonstrating their learning. The beauty of these technologies is that they are not just limited to students! Teachers can utilize these wonderful technologies to share and learn from each other. Understanding how to use these technologies effectively gives us opportunities to share with classrooms all over the world and to get the input of others. As learners, we can share our experiences and knowledge with the school, community, and world.
Students can collaborate with others in the class as well as students from other schools within the community and the world at large. Learners gain insight from others by expanding their own understanding by creating a webcast, website, wiki, or other artifact they can share and post. Working together to develop and create something they will share with others gives students a reason to truly learn and understand the material. The students can then take ownership of the knowledge and learning and share it with the world by distributing their knowledge appropriately.
Using technologies like the voice thread above gives us new opportunities to have our students create and share their learning. I look forward to learning, creating, and passing on my knowledge to others. Thanks for reading!
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Program Number 8: Social Learning Theories [Webcast]. Baltimore: Author
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007) Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
I like how you encourage your students to teach their parents how to do a problem. When my daughter has to study for math, I often have her explain the problems to me. As students share their knowledge they are able to gain deeper understanding of their material.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, as students use new technologies to collaborate with others, they are exposed to an entirely different way to learn. I agree that being able to share with others beyond the classroom can only provide a richer learning experience for students. And yes, students take ownership of their learning because they are sharing it with many others.
In our last three courses we have focused on students learning. As teachers we have to continue to learn as you said and this is the only way to be a good and connected teacher. I have known many teachers who have not know what students talk about and what the current days’ issues. They just go to classroom try to do their job regardless of students interests, and they leave the class. Being such kind of teacher might seem to us far, but if we did not communicate and learn from each other and from other resources will be that kind of teacher surely. The technologies we have learned in this course are the easiest way to collaborate with other teachers.
ReplyDeleteJen - I think you make a good point in saying that students have a real reason to learn the material when they are asked to present it to an authentic audience who will provide them with feedback. I have found that when students are able to share and present their projects, they become very engaged and enthusiastic learners. Being a "teacher" of a subject area is highly engaging for students - and helps them to develop good planning, communication and leadership skils. Great post!
ReplyDelete