Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

        This week we have focused on connectivism and social learning and different learning strategies that can be incorporated with these learning theories.  These learning theories, along with the several other theories I have discussed in past weeks, all have a place in the classroom.  I feel each learning theory plays and important role in the classroom and it is important for teachers to understand each theory. 

Connectivism

        Connectivism is a theory that says knowledge exists in the patterns of how different concepts are networked (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011b).  This theory relies on interacting with others and making connections to other information.  Siemens (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011b) stated that “learning is the act of forming networks and navigating networks of knowledge”.

Social Learning Theories

        In the video, Social Learning Theories, Dr. Orey discussed Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), More Knowledgeable Others (MKO), Situated Cognition, and Cooperative Learning.  Each of these theories makes up social learning theories.  Orey (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011a) discussed that students are engaged in constructing artifacts and communicating with others. MKO theory states that a person can gain knowledge from interacting with others such as parents, teachers, peers, and even computers (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011a).  According to Kim (2001) culture and context are extremely important to understanding the society and creating knowledge. 

Cooperative Learning

        This week in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works we read about cooperative learning.  Cooperative learning is a strategy that has students work together in groups to enhance their learning (Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2012).  In cooperative learning you can grade the group as well as the individuals.  According to Orey (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011a), using cooperative learning means that students are responsible for each other’s learning and there is a group consequence or reward. 

        There are several different ways teachers can use cooperative learning.  I have always enjoyed using jigsaw groups.  Jigsaw groups allow students to teach each other content and allows for deeper understanding of that content (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011a).  Students can also use many different technology tools to cooperate and collaborate with each other.  A few examples of these would be using a blog or wiki, using Google, or even Facebook.  This week we were asked to explore a tool called VoiceThread.  Using www.voicethread.com students can create a project and comment about different items throughout the project by recording their voice or typing their responses.  Here is an example of the voice thread I created for an upcoming lesson:

https://voicethread.com/share/5612023/

 

Final Thoughts

        I believe that connectivism, social learning theories, and cooperative learning are all very important pieces in the classroom.  I feel it is important to remember that not all students will enjoy group work and not do complete every unit or lesson in this manner.  I think the best approach is a well-rounded approach, using several different learning theories.  I recommend you check out the following websites!

http://www.jigsaw.org/

This is an excellent website that offers tips and techniques for using jigsaw groups in your classroom.

http://www.simplypsychology.org/bandura.html

This is a good article about Social Learning Theory and an excellent website dealing with several of the learning theories we have explored.

Resources

Kim, B. (2001). Social Constructivism.. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved April 2, 2014, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011a). 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

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011b). Program nine: Connectivism as a learning theory [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.