To Network or not to Network?

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.