Social Learning in Practice

Cooperative learning and social networking are two instructional strategies that align with the social learning theory.  Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn (2012) focus on cooperative learning and the idea that learning can be maximized through purposeful and well-designed social interaction with others.  As an educator, I could not agree more with this theory.

When cooperative learning is implemented effectively, students develop a sense of positive interdependence (Pitler, et al., 2012).  This means that success from one supports success for others and students increase their active engagement.  It is important for teachers to use cooperative learning consistently and systematically throughout the year so that students establish kinship and a sense of obligation to one another.  This creates positive attitudes and increased achievement for the classroom.  

Technology such as social networking can be used to enhance cooperative learning.  For example, students can create a webpage using social networking sites such as Facebook, Google, SchoolFusion, blogs, and/or wikis (Pitler, et al., 2012).  Students can be creative, communicate, collaborate, and think critically while infusing an importance piece of technology.  Check out the article, “8 Social Media Strategies” by Adam Renfro at http://gettingsmart.com/2011/12/developing-a-social-media-strategy-for-your-classroom/ to learn more.

I recently attended a conference on the new Common Core Modules.  At this conference, a teacher from another district was discussing her experiences in incorporating an iPad into her classroom.  The students in her mathematics classroom have the ability to work through problems together, send audio recordings to one another to provide feedback, take instant assessments with automatic feedback, and so much more.  The iPad app she was raving about was called Socrative.  For more information visit https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/student-clicker-socrative/id477618130?mt=8.

If technology is playing such a vital role in education, why are many districts not provided with the technological tools (i.e. iPads) that they need in order to prepare students for college and future careers?  I realize that budget constraints are heavily impacting districts nowadays, but shouldn’t technology take priority?        

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 (2^nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.



Here is my Voice Thread URL:  https://voicethread.com/share/4767751/