Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

The Social Learning Theory is a type of learning which involves one learning from another. Students benefit from conversing with eachother. They share ideas, offer feedback, encouragement and as a result, have a greater understanding.

Cooperative learning correlates with the principles of the social learning theory. Through technology, students have the opportunity to not only create, but also have the benefit of working with others. When giving a cooperative learning task, you must present clear expectations. Students must know what the task is, and the criteria that will be used in order to assign a grade. I believe that there should not only be group accountability, but individual accountablility as well. The teacher is there to facilitate when needed.

In Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, examples are given of how technology supports the social learning theory. Multimedia is used by creating a rubric of how students will be evaluated. This rubric is not only for the use of the teacher, but more so for the students. Students can see how they will be evaluated, what is expected of them, and how they can succeed. Web resources allow students not only to search the web, but become connected with others all over the world. They can share ideas and feedback for whatever it is they are working on. This sense of learning from others then goes beyond the classroom. If a child needs assistance with something, they can reach out to others for assistance as well. Keypals are a way for students to become connected with individuals from other schools and other states. At one pont in time with had penpals, and this is a much easier, and faster way to collaborate with others through using the internet. Again, this supports the social learning theory because students are working and learning from one another. Building a website is also something that students can create by working cooperatively. There is much involved in completing this task, but students can complete it successfully providing each person contributes. Web enhanced multiplayer simulation games support the social learning theory, because students are playing interactive games on the internet with one another.

In conclusion, cooperative learning strategies correlate with the principles of the social learning theory. Students are worling with one another and now because of technology, learning can be done with others outside of the classroom.

Constructivism in Practice

Dr. Orey stated that constructionism is "A theory of learning that states people learn when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others." Students are active in their learning and learning is student centered. The teacher acts as facilitator. In our supplemental reading, Innovative Learning: Constructivist Theories of Learning, it states that students learn through their own discoveries.

The instructional strategies we learned this week are Generating and Testing Hypotheses. Technology has made it possible for students to "learn through their own discoveries" by using spreadsheet software, data collection tools, and web resources. In each of these, students are making decisions, problem solving, makes hypotheses, collaborating, and is involved in authentic tasks. Students are 'building" something and are active in their learning. The instructional strategies all contain components of constructionism.

Teachers are there to facilitate these authentic projects. In my experience, students would rather "create" something using technology. It is enjoyable for them, and the projects keeps them interested. Our students are 21st century learners. With that being said, teachers have to take that into consideration and continue to support and encourage our students by offering them the opportunity to use technology as a tool to support their learning. Problem solving, collaboration, making decisions, etc. are all 21st century skills that our students must master in order to be prepared for today's workforce.

Cognitivism in Practice

This week we explored Summarizing and Note Taking and Cues, Questions, and Advance Organizers. These instructional strategies that were introduced correlate with the principles of cognitive learning theory. Dr. Orey mentioned the Information Process Model which involves understanding, retaining, and recalling information. The instructional strategies previously mentioned are used for that reason.

In Cues, questions, and advance organizers, students can create advance organizers to help with note taking and recalling information. This is a word processing application that will contain terms, links, pictures, etc. In this case, technology is used to in organizing information. Students make connections and visual representations are used to help students remember information. Dr. Orey had mentioned "elaboration" and how students must make as many connections as they can.

Another technology tool that was explored is Kidspiration Organizer. I would use this to begin a lesson as described in the text. This organizer provides students with a learning objective, illustration, and more importantly, an essential question. The essential question will assist students in thinking at a higher level, if the appropriate question is asked.

In Summarizing and note taking, I would use Combination Notes that are created in Microsoft Word with my first graders. This to me, can be used effectively with my young students. It is used to help them recall information. Not only does this include text, but illustrations as well. I think this is a great way to organize information.

Blogs are an excellent way to implement reciprocal teaching. Students learn from one another not only in class, but by using a blog. Students are given the opportunity to voice their opinions, ideas, and really learn from one another.

How do the strategies mentioned correlate with the principles of cognitive learning theory? James Hartley had mentioned in Key Principles of Learning Associated with Cognitive Psychology that instruction should be well organized because it will be easier for students to remember. He also stated that instruction should be "clearly structured." This is the whole concept that Orey spoke of which is making connections. In our video, it was said that the cognitive learning theory also includes the element of effective use of images, and that too was described in the instructional strategies learned for this week. James Hartley also stated how important prior knowledge is. In Brainstorming with Inspirations RapidFire Tool, students are given an essential question and must brainstorm possible answers or solutions. This is a way of activating prior knowledge. James Hartley states that "Things must fit with what is already known if it is to be learned."

Behaviorism in Practice

This week, two instructional strategies were explored; Reinforcing Effort, and Homework and Practice. Both instructional strategies relate to the behaviorist learning theory. Providing recognition is a way of reinforcement. I offer constant praise to my students when they provide me with quality work, try their best, were once struggling on a skill and has shown great improvement, or if a student behaves appropriately. I find that the more I offer verbal praise, the more my students are motivated and eager to continue working hard and act appropriately in class. In Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works, it offers many suggestions and examples of how technology can be used for recognition. In Web-based surveys, students have the opportunity to receive feedback from both teacher and peers. Teachers can use the results and print out certificates which can be personalized for students and what they have achieved. Another way technology can be used for recognition is through web showcases and picture galleries. Students can showcase their work not only to a teacher and peers, but to parents as well. Something I have never tried and would like to, is audio e-mail. I love calling home and sending positive notes of praise, but this is just yet another way of incorporating technology-being able to give audio praise in an e-mail. Today's learners are Digital Natives and incorporating technology in offering recognition is just another way students and teachers can use 21st century skills. Just as in the behaviorist learning theory, the more I motivate my students and reinforce a certain behavior, the behavior will more than likely be repeated.

The instructional strategy of homework and practice also correlates with the principles of the behaviorist learning theory, because in order for students to master a skill learned in class, they must be given ample opportunity for practice. Technology is incorporated by using word processing applications and multimedia. In multimedia, students are able to practice skills and feedback is provided instantly. Feedback is crucial in learning. It drives instruction for teachers, and shows students what their strengths and weaknesses are. Technology today offers prompting and hints, so students can arrive at the correct answer and understand where they went wrong. I like using web resources in the classroom to provide students the opportunity to practice and enhance skills learned. In my first grade classroom, I use Iknowthat.com and starfall.com. The text provided a few more websites that I would like to incorporate in the coming school year. Students can use these websites both at home and at school.

Elements from the behavioral learning theory are used each day in class. Students should not only know about rewards, but consequences as well. We use elements from the behavioral theory for classroom management, but through recognition, and homework and practice as well. Technology supports all that we do and provides students will an incredible learning experience that supports and enhances what they have learned in class through practice and enrichment.