Our focus this week is on Social Learning theory and the implications this has on our activities and lessons as well as the use of technology in the classroom. This theory is based on the idea that learning is a social process and that students create meaning through interactions with others and their environment. We have examined many strategies that are anchored in social interaction this week in our reading and lectures. These strategies clearly correlate with social learning theory in that they are based on many ways to discuss, organize, and present information – via voicethreads, blogs, group projects, collabortive word processing and spread sheets, small groups, and many other activities. When students interact they share information AND their own perspective on the information. This will cause students to consider what they know and reformulate it to fit in with new information or perspective on that information. Students also benefit from interacting with “more knowledgeable” others. They can model behavior and social skills as well and gain knowledge in a less threatening manner that putting themselves “out there” alone.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Social Learnig Theories
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Molly,
ReplyDeleteJust think about all you have learned. Knowing what you know now will help you to be creative in the ways you utilize what technology that you do have. I know many districts lack what is actually needed to do the proper job. Bu, if you have the content knowledge, making it happen is easier. If you can describe and explain what you need and why you would like to implement it, perhaps you can secure more equipment for your students to use. Does this make sense? Arguing for something that could be helpful is different than arguing for something that you know you can use to help students succeed!
Molly,
ReplyDeleteOur district is so skittish about anything even resmebling social networking that I am a bit concerned about having the students sign up for any of these wonderful sites. I have a feeling I may be called in to justify this decision. Its not that I doubt my justification, I just doubt the decisions of the powers-that-be. Our district tech person even blocked the Kodak website because it has photosharing capabilities! Never mind the fact that teachers use it for photos in the classrooms or that I was using it to research camaras that I want to purchase.
Molly,
ReplyDeleteI have been using del.cio.us for a while and love it. My name in it is s_lowmiller if you want to share my bookmarks. I have bookmarked many of the resources for this class there, so it would be easy for you to access them in one spot.
I like what you said about no one student being "out there" alone. Cooperative learning groups have a great advantage to allow students to feel supported when participating in class.
Molly, Sometimes I think I would rather lose my right hand then my Delicious account. I an thinking of having my students set up their own accounts this year. Do you think that would work?
ReplyDeleteLynn,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the support. My district is huge and we have dozens of schools so tech support is often a long process of waiting. I will use all this new knowledge to be proactive and try to get some equipment for my students and use these great tools! I think I am going to be the new "squeaky wheel" this year... but I'll be nice!
Thanks for all the info on DELICIOUS! I hope to be on this week sometime.. just so much to do this week (is it me?). I look am amazed at how much sharing is possible. Do you guys use it with your students to share bookmarks on content areas?
ReplyDeleteThere has been so much I have learned from the last couple courses that my head is spinning and I don't really know where to begin. There is a ton of different ways to integrate technology and enhance student learning. It's going to be a great year trying to figure out what type of technology to use next. I can't wait!
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