Constructivism as a learning theory defines learning as the act of constructing knowledge, making meaning and making sense of the world ( Siemens, 2009). “Technology can play a unique and vital role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration, providing structure for group tasks, and allowing members of groups to communicate even if they are not working face to face” ( Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007, p. 140).Web enabled multiplayer simulation games is one way individuals can interact with other individuals. This forum allows for human to human interaction through a simulated interface, where cooperative learning takes place. A simulation game called Revolution is a collaborative educational experience where the network of participants can act in and react to various events in the coming of the American Revolution (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007).
Keypals addresses the Connectivism of social learning because it offers the ability to communicate with students in other cities, states and countries. This global telecommunication network can enlighten the participants about events that are occurring in the world today as they are unfolding. Students can broaden their perspectives and be challenged to learn about other cultures, languages and issues throughout the world (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007). Today’s technology offers many avenues that correlate with the principles of social learning. Students have many opportunities to be globally connected and educators can facilitate learning with technology tools to strengthen 21st century skills in communication and collaboration.
References:
Laureate, Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Social Learning Theories[DVD]. Baltimore, MD: Author
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Denver: Mid=continent Research for Education and Learning.
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I am just amazed as how things have changed for our students today. The things that they can use to research just amaze me. As an educator it is especially important that I stay up to date with what is out there and what our students are using. The technology changes constantly and advances quickly and we must keep up.
ReplyDeleteSusan - I am excited to try kepals next year at school. I think this is a great way to use technology in social learning. Most of my students never get out of their neighborhood and their background knowledge to other cities, states and cultures are so limited. I'm teaching 5th grade next year and hope to use this tool ASAP as part of our writing curriculum.
ReplyDeleteI will check out revoultion to use next year. Thank you for the great sites.
ReplyDeleteSusan, it is interesting that you mentioned that collaborative technology can challenge students to learn about other cultures. Over the last two decades chinese have settled on my island. The adults tend to socialize among themselves but the children who attend schools are now integrating into the society. It is interesting to see them playing games, and speaking the local dialet with the native children. Except for the physical appearance there is nothing that separates them. If we can use teacnology within the classroom to bridge the "social and cultural divide" of people on a national and global scale... would be super-powerful stuff.
ReplyDeleteTechnology has changed the way teachers teach. You mentioned some very useful websites and I look forward to seeing what they have to offer.
ReplyDeleteIn this ever changing world we need to help students be able to socialize. I had two students this year who had been homeschooled till they got to middle school. One has superior intellect but has little social skills. In a changing educational environment where virtual school is an option, educators need to have available websites like the ones that you have mentioned. So that students can expand their learning ability.
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