Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

Social learning theory is working and connecting with others to construct knowledge (Laureate, 2009). There are many different ways to connect students to gain an understanding in their learning with technology. “Multimedia is a natural environment for cooperative learning” (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007). This environment gives tasks where students have specific roles and responsibilities. In this way, they need to use each person in order to get the project finished. Everyone brings something different to the group. This would be a great way to end a unit by bringing all the learning together. There are also WebQuests. This is a great way to help students focus on the “information rather than looking for it (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007). It also enables the teacher to add higher order thinking to the project. One collaborative program that was not mentioned is the wiki. I started using the wiki this year with my students. We started the year interviewing another student in the class and posting the interview on the wiki. I would like to continue using it as a place students’ add updates to what is going in our classroom. The struggle with it is that only one student can make changes at a time. All of these pieces help students gain an understanding of the subject area by being involved in their learning. Social Learning Theory uses interactions while being engaged in constructing something (Laureate, 2009). Getting students involved keeps them from being lazy, and gets them motivated to learn.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.

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