Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

Social learning is when students are actively engaged in constructing artifacts when conversing with others (Laureate, 2009). In the video and readings this week, we were exposed to new strategies in which all were dealing with students working groups. While students work in groups or even with just one other students they are involved in the social learning process as they construct meaning through interacting with their peers. Dr. Orey talked about a neat strategy he referred to as the “Jigsaw Strategy.” The students start off in a “base” group and break out into another group where they are informed and/or learn about a concept. They then need to take this new concept back to their base group and teach them what they have learned. This fits social learning like a glove. Students are interacting with other students to build their own artifacts of the concepts being taught in the classroom.

Another instructional strategy is cooperative learning which focuses on having students interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their learning (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, pg. 139). The particular strategy correlates with the principles of social learning theories as it is based around students working together in groups to give them a stronger understanding of what is being discussed in class. No matter what job a person takes in this fast-paced world, they will always need to be able to work with and respect others. Technology can enhance cooperative learning as it provides structure for group tasks and allows groups to communicate even if they are not face to face (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, pg. 140).

I feel student/peer – centered classroom are so important in today’s educational world. Interaction among students not only builds their social skills it allows them to see there are different ways of comprehending or interpreting a concept. In order to be prepared for the fast-paced, virtual workplace that they will inherit, today’s students need to be able to learn and produce cooperatively (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, pg. 139). If we educators can get them working cooperatively and socially at an early age it will make them more successful in tomorrow’s world.

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.