While studying about all of the different types of learning theories for this course (my head is spinning...), one quote from George Siemens describing his theory of connectivism really stood out. The defining principle states "what we consider to be right today may tomorrow be considered wrong" (Orey, 2005). With all of the technological advancements in the past 30+ years, the field of education is facing a huge challenge to keep up. There are debates raging over the correct learning theory to use with today's students. New theories are being created to deal with the new age of learning in today's society.
The social learning theories describe students as being "actively engaged in constructing artifacts and conversing with others" (Laureate Inc, 2008). It is important to create artifacts because we learn best by doing, but what is equally important is the "conversations" that the students are having with each other and the teacher. Being actively engaged in what they are doing and questioning how and why they are doing something really gets them involved in their own education and helps them to want to become life long learners. I don't believe that a teacher that stands in front of the class and lectures is allowing students the rich opportunity to learn that they accomplish through learning in a social setting through collaborative learning and other techniques.
Today's technological advancements have opened new doors for our students. Social networking has expanded to global proportions. Facebook, MySpace and other sites connect people from all over the world. Webquests, blogs, wikis, voicethreads, simulation games (my husband is a fan of WOW-he keeps in touch with relatives and friends across the country while battling the forces of evil together), e-mail and online learning have created a truly boundary-less learning community. Students have the opportunity to connect with authors, visionaries, politicians and artists. They can share information and create artifacts with other students from across the country. This allows students to become aware of different viewpoints and experience how other people feel about things. They also see how people are the same, no matter where they come from. I believe that the ability to be able to share with others the things that they have learned helps them to develop a deeper understanding for themselves.
Susan
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program Eight. Social Learning Theories. [Motion Picture]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program Ten. Spotlight on Technology: Voice Thread. [Motion Picture]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
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Your comment that states that what we think is right today, may be wrong tomorrow really is true. Things are changing at a rapid pace these days. What is our new technology today, will be old technology next year. It is harder than ever to keep up with changing technology. Teachers must make a very strong effort to keep up with these changes in order to be an effective teacher for their students. They must set the students up for their future.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite type of collaborative activity is whole class discussion. The only problem I have is getting all students actively involved. I am amazed at the insights and connections some of my students are able to make in this context.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is risky to adopt one “right” way to teach and to learn because as you succinctly pointed out, things change. Certainly everyone agrees that humans are social beings. Also, two of the major elements of the 21st century skills are communication and collaboration. I do worry, however, that with the access to instant information and others’ opinions that students often do not take the time to contemplate issues and to think for themselves. Instead they just spout off what they heard or read. That’s why I like to give students opposite points of view on issues and have them decide where they stand. This can also be done as an entire class by splitting the class into two groups and having each groups support one side of an issue. I also have them switch positions so that they are forced to look at the issues from the opposite perspective. The bottom line is to engage students and to help them develop critical thinking skills that will serve them well as they make decisions about their own lives and as they contribute to society.
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