Conncectivism and Social Learning in Practice

     “Social constructivist learning theory addresses the role of culture, collaboration, and content in constructing knowledge of the world around us” (Laureate Education, 2010). In today’s society we are filled with an array of technology and communication sources. Students have access to multiple types of technology. They have computers, smart phones, IPods, and IPads. Not only do these tools provide them with information, but it gives them the opportunity to communicate with anyone around the world. Students also have access to a new wave of technology software called social networking. Many students have Facebook, My Space, email, text messaging, Twitter, and Skype as a way of socializing with others. This social networking as well as the abundance of technology is a big part of a student’s social realm. So with that being a factor, why don’t teachers take advantage of this new wave of socializing and use it in the classroom as an instructional learning strategy?

     Socializing is a part of a child’s life when growing up. The social constructivist learning theory believes that in order to effectively process and apply information, students should be able to communicate and collaborate in their own words with one another. I feel this is an important part of a child’s education. Students need to be able to work together, brainstorm ideas, peer tutor, and discuss content in a way that aids their understanding. In my classroom, students work in cooperative learning groups’ majority of the time. I have 2 groups- 1. The base project group: this group changes every midterm. I utilize this group when students work together on a project-based or inquiry-based learning activity. 2. Pair group: this particular group is used when students are pair sharing or the task at hand requires fewer people than the base group. I give students daily opportunity to share ideas and provide meaning to information we are learning. “The instructional strategy of cooperative learning focuses on having students interact with each other in groups in ways that enhances their learning” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 139). Having students actively engaged through cooperative learning is giving students the time to use social skills to master an understanding of the curriculum presented.

     One thing is for sure, the communication world has changed dramatically, I can remember having to call someone from a house phone or sending a letter through the mail in order to communicate. Now, we can communicate with anyone, anywhere with different types of technology. In my district we are limited to the types of social networking for teachers and students. I have been able to access www.kidblog.org or Moodle, but majority of the web sources have been blocked. I believe that many of the social networking sites could be a great advantage for student communication and foresee in the future it becoming a part of the curriculum we teach.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). [Webcast]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.