According to Wong and Wong, “Cooperative learning is not so much learning to cooperate as it is cooperating to learn.” (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K, 2007) That is the basis for the many of the technology tools suggested in our text this week with regards to social learning.
Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works highlights many instructional strategies that can be used in the classroom. These strategies can all be used in a social learning scenario. Even though I have only begun to use technology in a cooperative learning environment, I can see their educational value.
Dr. Orey said that one of the aspects of social learning is “Students actively engage in constructing artifacts and conversing with others.” (Laureate, 2008) When students work together to create a web site to display their research, as suggested in our text, they are doing exactly what Dr. Orey stated. First, students have to work together to research their subject and then present their research findings creatively on the internet. The prior knowledge of all the team members combined with the new research culminates in a creative presentation that is as unique as the members themselves. Sure, this same type of lesson can be done on an individual basis, but the cooperative efforts brings unique perspectives and creativity.
Moodle was also mentioned in our text as another resource that can be used in social learning. My school district introduced Moodle this year on the high school level as a way for students and teachers to download instructions and post assignments. As for social learning, “Students share ideas, communicate as a group and learn collectively.” (Pitler, H., et al, 2007) and that is something Moodle offers. However, on a downside, many students expressed frustration over using Moodle with downed networks, slow access or no home access and locked up or lost assignments. I guess the 21st century “The dog ate my homework” excuse is now “But the network was down.”
But even with this downside, Moodle, Global Schoolhouse and the like are great resources that provide students within a classroom or around the world the chance to collaborate in a social learning environment.
Laureate Education Inc. (2008). “Social Learning Theories.” Baltimore, MD: Laureate Education Inc.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
4 comments:
In addition to Moodle, which still remains a strong tool, we are recomending ning (www.ning.com) as an excellent tool in the classroom. That would have been included in our book, but the site didn't exist at the time. By the way, in my former life, I was also band, orchestra, and jazz ensemble teacher at the middle and high school level.
I like the comment with which you began your post. I use cooperative learning activities as much as possible in my class. However, these usually turn out to be more about learning to cooperate than cooperating to learn! Middle school students are so self-centered that it can be difficult for them to work in small groups without problems erupting. If they are going to be productive members of society, they need to learn how to work cooperatively. Then, maybe they can cooperate to learn!
Learning cooperatively is very useful when teaching a language and I try to incorporate as much of it as I can. The problem is that this requires continual supervision by the teacher to make sure that all students are on task and not simply talking about what they are going to do when they get home. I usually try to have them present what they have learned to the class and this helps some.
The other comment you made that I can see becoming a problem is the problem of my computer was down or the network was down, or I couldn't download that. There will always be a need to come up with more creative excuses as long as students are assigned work. One way to help this is to have a computer lab that is open before or after school for the students to use if theirs will not work.
Carla;
You answered a question I left you on your blog on mine! Ah...technology! Group supervision is important and a key factor.
As for a tech lab being available in our school early or late, we don't allow that access. It is a supervision issue than availability. We have more labs than we know what to do with. So students who need to use a computer have to use the one in the teacher's classroom. That prevents plan time for school, etc. I wish our school had a lab for students to use, mostly for those who don't have access at home. But maybe that will change.
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