We already know that students learn best when they build an artifact, or something they can share with others (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). Social learning theory takes this to another level by adding that the artifact should be created within a group while working and talking together (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008).
This week I explored several different social networking and collaboration tools that correlate to the instructional strategy “Cooperative Learning.” Tools such as WebQuests, shared bookmarking, multiplayer simulation games, and communication software make it possible to work collaboratively both within and outside the school setting. By default, the users are creating an artifact along the way. In addition, “The Web gives students access to experts in nearly any subject area, from Nobel Prize winners to best-selling authors to Olympic athletes” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 144).
“To be prepared for the fast-paced, virtual workplace that they will inherit, today’s students need to be able to learn and produce cooperatively” (Pitler, et. al., 2007, p. 139). Social learning provides the framework, and Web-based instructional strategies and tools provide the means to build artifacts and engage learners. I cannot think of a better way to prepare our students for the future they are inheriting.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer.) (2008). Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer.) (2008). Social Learning Theories. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Pitler H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
It seems to me that Web quests are an awful lot of work for the producers - I can see them for lower Middle school students and younger, but I wonder if older kids should be designing their own quests? Wouldn't that be a neat school project - older kids creating Webquests for younger classes, tying in with the curriculum!
ReplyDeleteI love that idea!! You are right, Web quests are a lot of work for the producers! I wonder if I could connect with a math teacher at the high school and get a project going? Fabulous!
DeleteHi Deb,
ReplyDeleteReading over the resources this week has once again emphasized the important role technology plays in the classroom. Without technology in the classroom, students would be literally clueless when it comes to preparation for future blue- and white-collar jobs. And without teachers doing additional research or taking courses such as this, the smorgasbord of effective multimedia tools would not be available for transference to the students.
Dennis
Dennis, I am glad for the resources we are learning about in this class. However, I have to admit that it is somewhat overwhelming for me. There are so many ideas I want to try. And, I get distracted from my work for hours by looking at the resources!
DeleteHi, Deb,
ReplyDeleteIt is an exciting time to be part of the education field. All of the possibilities that are offered for integrating technology into our curriculum are amazing. Preparing our students for a work world where technology will be a part of almost any career is at times a daunting task. I agree with Sarah that web quests and some other technologies can be time consuming to create, but we are lucky enough to have people who love to create some of these programs that they are willing to share. I think having older students create learning experiences for younger students is a great idea.
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Deletehello Debbie,
DeleteI think that is an awesome idea Rhonda, to have students create and share. It definitely will contribute to the knowledge field. Other learners will benefit from the work of others. That is just like us building knowledge on to knowledge. We will all benefit. In the end what do you think will happen? Where is education going with this? Is there always going to be a need for creating artifacts? I see the web being even more competitive because of the number of persons who will have created artifacts and others who will try to create. It goes to show how creative our students need to be. As teachers we need to foster creativity in our students. How do this week's tools and the learning theories help us as teachers to foster creativity in our students?
Michelle,
DeleteIt will be interesting to see how this is handled in the education field. I do believe we will all benefit. Both teachers and students will need to be more creative. I think that this week's tools will help us to be more creative.
Rhonda, I am having so much fun connecting technology to education! You are right, the possibilities are endless! In addition, there is such a wealth of already-made materials on the Web that it makes using many of these programs very easy. My problem is that I want to do it all right now. I have to be careful that I do not overload my students or myself.
ReplyDelete