There is a wealth of information in the resources, most of which will take more then a week to fully explore. It all relates to the social learning theory which revolves around the idea that people learn primarily through interactions with others and their surroundings. Dr Orey speaks of the Zone of Proximal Development. I believe this is an important concept to consider when planning any activities revolving around the social learning theory. This “zone” is based on determining what a student is able to learn at this time and not teaching beyond that zone. We all have a Zone of Proximal Development and are familiar with what happens if we are required to work too far out side this zone; we become overwhelmed and usually lost.
I believe cooperative learning is a powerful tool if used properly. The reason I mention “if used properly” is I have seen classrooms where it is applied incorrectly and the result is a very chaotic classroom environment. Cooperative learning and technology are terrific partners and enhance the social learning process. The focus of cooperative learning is on getting students to interact with each other, compare their ideas and ultimately learn from their peers. The use of a multimedia tool such as Powerpoint is a great way to integrate technology into cooperative learning. A single presentation of this type will require groups to take on many tasks such as: researching, word processing, organizing ideas, and collaboration with their group to combine all the pieces into a final project.
There are several types of communication software which allow us to learn cooperatively. Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, (2007) have noted that: “now more then ever technology allows students to collaborate on projects without the constraints of time or geography” (p.153). There are collaboration and networking tools such as Webquest and Facebook available which allows us to interact with others in different parts of the world. Our work here at Walden University would not be possible if it were not for the several collaboration, productivity, and social networking tools available to us each day.
My concern with technology is that we can sometimes become paralyzed when it is not available to us. I teach Engineering / Technology classes and see what happens when internet access is down. I understand we are never going back to the days of listening to your favorite radio show by candle light, and I don’t want to. I would just like to teach children to use a dictionary when spell check is not available, and not to panic when the battery on their Ipod dies.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Social Learning Theories [Educational video]. Baltimore: Author.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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You raise a VERY valid point - what do today's students do when the technology is down? Many do notreally know how to do any research without the aide of a comouter. I can'ttell you the number of times I have been at the checkout line and rounded my payment up to avoid getting pennies. If I did this after the cahier put in the amount paid- he/she can rarely do the math to figure it out. Technology important and an awesome and necessary part of today's education; however, I agree with you that we still need to teach them how to use a dictionary, and do basic math skills without the aide of a computer.
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