Here's my voicethread. It is meant as an introduction on a problem solving unit based upon how to help with beach pollution:
http://www.voicethread.com/share/657477
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Connectivism and Social Learning
I truly believe that Social Learning theories are excellent tools for the classroom. I put it in use as much as is possible. This year we use blogging and small cooperative groups often. I have future plans for group multimedia projects such as Flipvideo camera productions and, now that I've learned them myself, voicethreads.
There's a part of me that thinks that the ultimate benefit of social learning occurs most in the higher grades. It's not that I don't think it isn't valuable in third grade, it is. However, the Social learning must be very controlled. While I have some students who are fully capable of practicing self control, the truth is, most are not. Using technology in such situations may be chaotic, not to mention expensive. I almost think that the job of the lower grade teachers is to introduce the Social Learning in bits with the ultimate goal of having students able to fully participate and benefit by 5th grade and up. My 4th graders were capable, but again, only in small doses. This school year has been challenging, and my hope is that I can get my 3rd graders involved in more small groups as maturity allows.
There's a part of me that thinks that the ultimate benefit of social learning occurs most in the higher grades. It's not that I don't think it isn't valuable in third grade, it is. However, the Social learning must be very controlled. While I have some students who are fully capable of practicing self control, the truth is, most are not. Using technology in such situations may be chaotic, not to mention expensive. I almost think that the job of the lower grade teachers is to introduce the Social Learning in bits with the ultimate goal of having students able to fully participate and benefit by 5th grade and up. My 4th graders were capable, but again, only in small doses. This school year has been challenging, and my hope is that I can get my 3rd graders involved in more small groups as maturity allows.
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