The social learning theory emphasizes the importance of observing and modeling the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others (Culatta, 2012). Social learning theory explains human behavior in terms of continuous reciprocal interaction between cognitive, behavioral, an environmental influences (Culatta, 2012). This instructional approach creates a collaborative/cooperative learning environment that is student-centered; removing the prominence of a teacher led instructional setting. The instructional strategy of cooperative learning focuses on having students interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their learning (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Knowledge is derived from each student’s personal knowledge and environment.
Educational technologies can be used to enhance and support the teaching-learning process at any number of points in the process (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008). The technological tools, listed within the text Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, allow the learners to engage with others instantly and to construct technological tools based on their personal knowledge & experiences. Teaching, learning, and technology work together to achieve the ultimate goal of effective knowledge transfer (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008). Multimedia, Webquests, and Keypals are activities that require the learners to collaboratively retrieve knowledge from others as well as place their input on specified information. Although I do not have experience using majority of the tools, I can see how the integration of the tools can engage students in higher order thinking as well as build an instructional setting that is student-centered.
Sources:
Culatta, R. (2012). Social learning theory. Retrieved on February 1, 2012 from:
http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/social-learning.html
Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn,M., & Malenoski, K.,(2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria VA: ASCD.
Nikisha...
ReplyDeleteCooperative learning is great for knowledge transfer, but as a few of the scenario examples in the resources this week demonstrate, activities and projects must be planned carefully. With the teacher as an all knowing facilitator, the lesson becomes student and peer-centered with less time off task. The use of technology can greatly enhance cooperative learning by expanding social interaction through inquiry, discovery and creativity.
Great post, Nikisha. I think that the text references that you chose were perfect for explaining social learning and its relation to instructional strategies. I have used WebQuests before, and I love them. If you work with older students, they can possibly create WebQuests instead of simply participate in a WebQuest. The creation of WebQuests would also be a great way to incorporate the jigsaw instructional strategy. In this case, each student would be responsible for creating a specific part of the WebQuest, and when the parts have been put together it would create one WebQuest.
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