Thursday, August 1, 2013

Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

Voice Thread URL:    http://walden.voicethread.com/share/4768377/

In the book Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, Pitler, Hubbell, and Kuhn (2012) explain how the instructional strategy of cooperative learning focuses on having students interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their learning.  Pitler, Hubbell, and Kuhn (2012) went on to explain how technology can play a unique and vital role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration, providing structure for group tasks, and allowing members of groups to communicate even if they are not working face to face. 
            In the video segment Social Learning Theories, Dr. Orey (Laureate Education, Inc. 2011) defines Social Learning Theory as students being actively engaged in constructing artifacts and conversing with others.  This week Voice Thread in an educational Web 2.0 technology tool that can have a huge educational and academic impact on students in every grade level and every subject.  It is a perfect example of a social learning theory instructional tool that allows students to communicate and collaborate.  Its audio and visual technology will have students engaged and help create strong connections processing new information for long term memory. 
One Project that intrigued me was the Flat Classroom Project (www.flatclassroomproject.org).  Students collaborated with students across the globe via blogs and wikis and experienced how voice over internet protocol are “flattening the world” (Pitler, Hubbell, and Kuhn 2012). My plan is to use this technology to expand the walls of the classroom to include parents, friends, and families. 
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
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.


2 comments:

  1. Val,
    I like your idea of incorporating a project to reach more than just your students. I teach math and tutor students as well. I find on numerous occasions when students have a bad relationship with mathematics it is a good chance it stems from their parents relationship with mathematics. I feel if we use technology that incorporate parents more than they will be more apprehensive to assist their students and ask about the math classes instead of avoiding the subject all together.
    Thanks for sharing,
    Nicole

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  2. Hi Nicole,
    You mentioned how you like the idea of incorporating a project to reach more than just your students. I believe if we use and incorporate technology creatively and appropriately then we can open doors that we thought would be closed for ever. I believe Web 2.0 technology such as Voice Thread can be instrumental in engaging and collaboratively impacting students academically, including and inviting parents, friends, and family, and most importantly breaking down the walls of the classroom and instruct our students how to be global lifelong learners.
    Val

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