So this week we have been discussing and learning about the social learning theory. Our DVD and online text went into the benefits of having children learn things in collaboration with other students. Many of these experiences are often found in a project based environment and that is known as social constructivism. Our text offered a myriad of ways that we can use technology to not only give students tools to create with while they are collaborating, but also tools that help students connect with each other in and out of the classroom.
My favorite example from our text that was provided was having students create a multimedia project as a group, specifically a curriculum video. This just seems like the perfect project to get students to achieve a lot of the goals of social learning. Students are utilizing strengths to take on different roles, they are directing and learning from each other, and they are researching and discussing their research before they present it in a final project. All of these skills are great for the 21st century and have real world application.
I also think webquests are great, especially at the elementary level. The internet can often be too big for kids to find information and with webquests it makes the content more accessible and can keep them on track to meet the learning goals. It's great to see kids work together on these projects, because I see a lot of discussion happening related to the webquests and I think that is a key to having concrete learning experiences.
One other example that our text provided was connecting with other classrooms or experts for collaboration. I believe that this will be the future of education that has students all over the world connecting and collaborating to create things and learn from each other. Tools like Skype and VoiceThread are great examples of this technology. If you would like to view my VoiceThread that I created here is a link to where you can view it... http://voicethread.com/share/527280/ .
I'm hoping that other teacher see the possibilities for learning and growth with connectivism and social learning theories implemented in the classroom. Current and future technology is making it that much easier for students to connect and create things which are skills that they can use and will need for the jobs of tomorrow.
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Hi Jason, great posting. I agree with you that there will be a greater use in the future of online interaction, cooperation and peer mentoring...I think someone should make a site for teachers to input there yearly outline to be able to make matches with other schools who are covering the same material at the same time...or have just covered it and would be willing to share their expertise. Do you know of any sights like this?
ReplyDeleteJames,
ReplyDeleteAlthough I haven't found a site for this specific purpose I think I know where I would start. I found this site from one of our previous Walden courses called Elementary Tech Teachers. Right off the bat I'm not sure if it would apply for you, I know you teach 6th grade and although my elementary school and many others are K-6th grade, I know there are many elementary schools that only go from K-5th. Anyway, before I tell you about it here is the link.. http://elementarytechteachers.ning.com/ . It is basically like a myspace or facebook for tech savvy teachers. It's a great resource to ask questions, read blogs, and connect with other teachers who are like us, working to be leaders in incorporating technology in the classroom. I would probably try and connect with some teachers in my grade levels and ask what topics they are covering, what time of the year, and how we can work some lessons together using the internet. These are the kind of things that obviously require more effort, but are worth it for the positive outcome for our students. Your situation is a perfect example, some day, in the future perhaps, you and I would work out a lesson that would have your students and my students able to interact from across the world to learn about science. Kids from Washington State connecting with kids from South Korea is a great example of building those life skills that you mentioned in your blog by showing kids how much they can take away from interacting with someone from other cultures.
Jason
Jason, how have you used Skype before in your classroom?
ReplyDeleteCreating a curriculum video seems quite tedious, but I have to agree with you that it will be worthwhile. Students are very creative and learn better when they interact with the new materials they are learning. Collaboration is the best way to go about in the classroom even though the teacher sometimes feels the power is no longer theirs. However, students will become more engaged and willing to work and learn. Since all of these students are born into technology, it sparks their interest more. What would happen if students used their iPods in English class? What would happen if the school provided study hall and the students are able to view voicethreads of lessons for them to review? Would this be more effective? Students and parents would be able to use the resources to help their gears turn. Most of our students are very concrete, thus making everything concrete or relate to something concrete is very essential when it comes to teaching our students. Technology should be used on a daily basis, like you said; students will need this later in their lives. We are teaching the children of our future.
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