Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

Social learning theory involves the entire classroom environment, and ways in which students relate and interact with each other. It is important for teachers to create a classroom atmosphere that is conducive to learning. Orey (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008) explains that, it is conversations that cement students’ understanding of content knowledge. He also mentioned that students should not only be engaged in constructing something, but doing it together, while talking about it with each other. A very important construct in the social domain is collaborative
and cooperative learning. Moreover, students have an opportunity of working together to build something, where knowledge can be strengthened.

Cooperative learning is an instructional strategy that embeds technology. Students enjoy working together in a safe and comfortable classroom environment. Hence, when they are engaged in productive social networking, they are enjoying the lesson, and learning at the same time. Cooperative learning is an excellent way of getting students to work in a network, as characterized by social learning theory. Students, as young as you can think, are already engaged in social networking. Therefore, if teachers can capitalize on this and implement networking that is educational and fun, students will work collaboratively in a comfortable environment. It was Orey (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008) who suggested that one of the best ways of learning content is by teaching others, which will help the learner develop a deeper understanding of the content.

According to Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski (2007), to have students prepared for the virtual workplace, they will need to learn and produce cooperatively. Working as a team is always encouraged, and so much can be learned through interaction. In addition, ideas and experiences can also influence how students learn. Technology can play a unique and vital role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration, and allowing members of groups to communicate even if they are not working face to face (Pitler et al, 2007). There are technology tools that can facilitate cooperative learning, such as multimedia, web resources and communication software. With the use of technology tools, students are now able to collaborate across the globe through the web. Likewise, students can now collaborate without the constraints of time and geography. The focus of cooperative learning is to have students interact in ways that enhances learning.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Social Learning Theories. Baltimore: Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.