According to Dr. Orey, the basis of social learning is “students actively engage in constructing artifacts and conversing with others” (Laureate Education Inc., 2008). He further comments that, “teaching others helps the learner develop a deeper understanding of the content” (Laureate Education Inc. 2008). In a nutshell, social learning consists of students working together to create an end product based upon new knowledge that is being applied.
Our resources this week suggested several facets of social learning, a great deal of these involving the use of technology and today’s plethora of online social networking tools. One example, “Keypals,” allows students opportunities to communicate with students from around the globe on a countless number of topics (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007, p. 145). Implementation of this activity most definitely supports social learning in that students are working on communication skills and collaboration, learning proper netiquette in the process. Another suggested activity incorporating technology is that of “Web-Enabled Multiplayer Simulation Games” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007, p. 152). Kriz and Eberle state, “Gaming simulation is an interactive learning environment that makes it possible to cope with complex authentic situations that are close to reality. At the same time, gaming simulation represents a form of cooperative learning through teamwork” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007, p. 152). Further activities such as creating a website and utilizing a WebQuest in order to collaboratively solve a problem were additionally suggested (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007).
How do these activities relate to social learning theory? Each of the above mentioned activities requires students to cooperatively collaborate with each other for a common purpose, whether it is to solve a problem or create something. This underlines the basis of social learning theories. With continued advances in technology, social learning will likely become a more frequently used methodology in the classroom. Students require exposure to this type of interaction in order to become successful candidates for the future job industry. “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, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007, p. 139).
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2007). Social Learning Theories. [Educational video]. Baltimore: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Allison,
ReplyDeleteAll of the programs and activities you mentioned correlate directly with social learning theories. The most interesting strategy I read this week was the idea of multiplayer game simulations. Have you ever tried these in your classroom?
The majority of my students love playing video games and many have told me they spend hours and hours each week playing them. I have never really thought about using video games as a way to help students connect with others around their world. But, after reflecting on the idea, it seems to make sense that teachers could use something that many students enjoy and become very engaged with (video games), as a social learning tool. Also, many of the video game systems today have online capabilities. This is something I would like to look into more in depth as I think using video games could be an effective way to collaborate with others.
What do you think?
-Jonas
Hey Jonas,
ReplyDeleteYes, I think the video game idea is certainly worth looking into. My first graders repeatedly talk about the video games they play; they do seem to spend quite a bit of time doing this. I too, would like to delve deeper into the realm of game simulations like those discussed in our text this week. Most students, I feel sure, would enjoy them and engagement levels would be high. My students already enjoy playing each other on the math quiz show game for the computer that was included with last year’s math adoption. Thanks for your comments!
Allison
Allison,
ReplyDeleteOne of the largest barriers I see for the public school system is gaining access to these types of technology. I find it difficult to get security access to these types of activities, especially at the global level. Websites are blocked due to E-commerce, inappropriateness, etc. They are blocked for a reason, and that gets me somewhat gunshy from using them. Granted, every school is operated differently. Do you have any of the same issues or concerns?