Cooperative learning is something I am no stranger to. My
school has highlighted six particular teaching strategies, two of which fall
under the social learning theory.
These strategies are collaborative group work, and classroom talk and
were mentioned in their week’s resource video (Laureate
Education Inc., 2011).
This week, in our resources we explored social learning and
technology within collaborative group work. When student work together the
learning is enhanced (Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2012). The zone of proximal development can be
stretched when working with others (Laureate
Education Inc., 2011). The key factor when placing students in groups is
the grouping itself (Orey, 2001).
Students who are placed in balanced groups will all learn in an extraordinary
way.
Students working in groups can benefit by using
technology. There are two main
ways technology can be used when student work in groups: as the form of
communication and as the product of their group work. Students can communicate
using technology through social media such as Facebook/Fakebook, Edublogs,
Skype/FaceTime. The use of technology can ease the hassle of getting together
for group meetings outside of class. When using Facebook and Edublogs students
can communicate at times that suit them. This would be helpful for students are
on a sports team, have a job, or other obligations that would prevent them from
attending group meetings. Students can meet at real time from anywhere using
Skype and FaceTime. When students use technology as the product of the group
work, the possibilities are endless. Students can create blogs, YouTube videos,
websites, a Second Life environment, VoiceThreads, etc. When students are working
on a large project together there are many problems that come up, and students
must learn how to solve these problems and learn from one another. Learning
from others and/or the environment is a fundamental aspect of the social
learning theory (Laureate Education
Inc., 2011).
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program eight:
Social learning theories [Video webcast]. Bridging
learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Orey,
M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives
on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn,
M. (2012). Using technology with
classroom instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Jen,
ReplyDeleteI agree that putting students in balanced groups can benefit students. I always struggle with finding art projects or activities where children can work together as a group. What kinds of art projects have you done where students cooperate together in a group? Always looking for new ideas!
Angel
Angel,
ReplyDeleteIt is tough to make a collaborative piece of artwork when technical skill is involved. I once planned a comic book lesson that turned out well. Every student in the group helped to write the comic, some students drew the cartoon, while others colored and wrote the words in. That seemed to keep everyone engaged. What group lessons work well for you?
Jen
Jen,
ReplyDeleteI love that you use or are planning to use Edublogs as a virtual meeting forum for cooperative learning groups. I use KidBlog.org since it is easy to use with young students. I have never used the blog to have students share their findings with a group. I am definitely going to try this so thanks for the suggestion. We are currently working on a unit on seasons and weather using the jigsaw method. I plan on having the groups use the blog to share ideas.
How have you used EduBlog?
Jessie