Social Learning

We are a very social society.  Personal relationships are so important, and as humans we love spending time with each other.  These days there are so many social networks and websites that allow us to be social without even leaving our homes or being in the presence of other people.  It is kind of ironic in a way how social we can become while still remaining alone in our own homes.  Facebook is a huge social networking site that allows people to interact, express thoughts, share ideas, and follow the lives of friends and family.  Blogging, webcasts, podcasts, youtube, and so many more social technology tools have been developed to help us learn and interact socially.  Whether we agree with it or not, humans learn from social interactions.  When we see someone else doing something interesting or of worth, we want to learn and do the same thing.

A classroom is an extremely social environment with students of similar age interacting and working together.  Cooperative learning is a common strategy to promote social interactions and allow students to learn from one another.  Dr. Orey points out how much more a person learns when they are able to teach about a concept and share knowledge with others (Laureate Inc., 2008).  Cooperative learning strategies group students together and gave them opportunities to learn and teach in a social setting.  Student led learning communities are great  for teaching and helping students get the most out of their education.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008).Social Learning Theories. [DVD]. Baltimore: Author.

Voicethread-Counselor Crisis

My assignment for this week was to use and experience the online collaboration tool called VoiceThread.  This tool allows for sharing of thoughts and comments related to any issue, idea, problem, picture, experience, etc.  The problem I chose to focus on was the cutting of elementary school counselors.  I am very saddened and disappointed that the school district has chosen to cut this support program.  I worry about the consequences and negative impact this choice will have on the students.  So many children benefit from the counseling program and now there will be little to no support for struggling children.  Feel free to listen and comment about this problem by visiting my voice thread:    http://voicethread.com/?#u1894638.b2161961.i11528143

Constructivism in Practice

The constructivist and constructionist theories are so important in developing a positive and impactful learning environment.  In a classroom where these theories are applied students get to apply the knowledge they have acquired and create, build, and demonstrate what they have learned.  Dr. Michael Orey (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008) explains why these theories of learning are so important to the educational experience of the student.  Students perform and actually use the knowledge they have learned.  Learning becomes more meaningful as it becomes something the students use and experience.  Students create and demonstrate their understanding of lessons being taught.

Technology provides a whole new world where creations and projects can be designed and presented.  There are numerous websites and programs available to students and teachers that can be used to help enhance learning.  Technology is nothing new to students in this generation and using technology to demonstrate knowledge is a wonderful tool to enhance learning.  Students in second grade can create Power Points, blogs, wikis, and more to truly experience and construct their ideas.  Rather than just reading about fossils and dinosaurs, students can create Power Points demonstrating how fossils are formed and what characteristics dinosaurs possess. Spreadsheets and data collection websites may not be too meaningful to second graders, but with teacher guidance, students can begin to learn how to use these resources along with other technology tools.  Technology allows students to show their individuality and their abilities.  There are very few limits on what can be done or designed.  I am sure that many of my young students could create presentations beyond my own abilities. 

The constructivist and constructionist theories allow students to demonstrate and form student's learning experiences.  Actually being able to apply gained knowledge is the whole purpose of schooling and education.  We live in a time where technology is allowing a whole new world of educational experiences and opportunities.  Limitations are few and given the right guidance, students will be able to construct some amazing things.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories. Baltimore: Author. 

Cognitivism in Practice

One of the coolest things about the brain is how much information is stored there and how a person is able to access and use knowledge so easily.  The key to using this cool storage function is gaining the knowledge.   Once the knowledge is gained it will forever be stored in the brain and to be able to use the information, a person only needs to remember how to access the storage site.  That can be hard at times, but it is reassuring that once the information is gained it forever will stay. 

The cognitive learning theory addresses the way learners gain the needed and desired knowledge and then move it to the long term memory for storage.  Learning occurs in a variety of ways and students have preferences on how learning is most effective.  One instructional strategy to help with learning is cues, questions, and advance organizers.  Cues provide hints and remind students about experiences.  Questions can trigger memories and help students organize and recall prior knowledge.  Advance organizers can help pre-teach and organize new content to help focus learning (Pitler et. al., 2007).  Little cues can be effective with many concepts especially when reviewing.  Cues can be rhythmical or use pictures to help trigger memories.  Questions can be phrased in just the right way to lead the thinking process and help students form answers and ideas on their own.  Advanced organizers can be very effective in providing necessary knowledge to aide in further understanding of a concept.

Information can be overwhelming and it is important to filter out the useful and important information from extraneous information.  Summarizing allows students to put thoughts and lessons into their own meaningful words.  Taking notes is similar in its purpose.  Students learn to delete, substitute, and analyze information taking only the most important and necessary information into long term memory (Pitler et. al., 2007).  Cognitive learning is the process of connecting knowledge and retaining the relevant knowledge.  A variety of learning strategies can be used to help students be successful in their efforts to gain information and access important information when needed.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Denver, Co: Mid-Continental Research for Education and Learning.

Behaviorism in Practice

When a person starts something in life such as a sport, a class, a hobby, or any activity, the ultimate goal is to achieve success in whatever form it comes in.  Success is measured in a variety of ways, but according to Pitler, Hubell, Kuhn, and Melonski (2007), effort is the best choice for those who desire to achieve success and remain successful throughout life.  Many things cannot be controlled in life, but the effort a person puts into an activity is controlled and determined by the individual.  When a good effort is observed a positive reinforcement is one way to reinforce the desired behavior and encourage the continuation of the effort being made. 

Some ways to use technology to help improve effort is through data collection and spreadsheets.  Technology makes it a lot easier to track the improvements being made over time.  Programs are available that allow students to chart and measure their progress.  Spreadsheets can be created to show the efforts being made and how this effects achievement (Pitler, et. al., 2007).  Students can visually see how important effort is when trying to learn and master concepts.  When the students see that their behavior and effort plays a role in achievement, hopefully they will continue to behave in a way that promotes success.

Homework is one tool that allows students to practice what is learned in the classroom.  It brings the learning home and allows children to interact outside of the classroom and apply what they have learned.  Technology is a great tool in creating meaningful homework.  If students have access to technology outside of school then they can do so much more than just worksheets to practice.  Some students need additional practice to help learn and master certain skills.  Websites and other software programs can be used to help.  Dr. Orey points out that these programs need to be used appropriately and not the only tool utilized.  If drill and kill websites are all that are used then students are not receiving the best possible instruction (Laureate Educational, Inc., 2010).

There needs to be a balance in all things.  Technology is a tool with so much potential when used efficiently.  There are principles of the behaviorist learning theory that are vital and effective, but again they must be used correctly and in balance with other learning theories.   Teachers need to be clear and direct with what they expect from their students so that students know what efforts and practices must be done to achieve success.

Laureate Education, Inc. (2010).  Behaviorist Learning Theory. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Denver, Co: Mid-Continental Research for Education and Learning.