Social Learning is not the
primary way people construct learning. I
believe that technology has helped me connect mathematical concepts to real
life applications being used in professions that seem interesting to my
students. Dr. Orey discusses the value
of differentiation among group members and how conversing with their peers can
lead to learning the material (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).
It is important to give students the opportunity to discuss, collaborate
and create learning experiences for themselves to learn material better but I
do not believe that it is the primary form of learning. I think that it is more effective and “…helpful
to use informal groups for short, impromptu activities that take no longer than
a few minutes…” to solve problems to share different strategies and to discuss
misconceptions (Pitler, Hubbell & Kuhn, 2012). I have felt that smaller informal groups can
be implemented on a daily basis where students can regularly converse about the
material currently being taught.
The
technology that would implement is problem solving using Syncpad mentioned in
this week’s resources. Students who have
an iphone or ipod can be used to display mathematics on a virtual whiteboard (Pitler, Hubbell
& Kuhn, 2012). Using Syncpad for
students to use during a project where they are asked to create a lesson that
will be taught to their peers. Students
will collaborate and actively construct knowledge of the material when
discussing the strategies they will use to convey the mathematical
concepts. Students will help each other
understand the mathematical concept so that they all can be involved in
displaying and explaining the lesson.
Using
Syncpad or other types of technology in Project Based Learning can enhance the
learning experience. Technology can be
another platform for students to discuss, plan and create ideas to be
shared.
VoiceThread URL: https://voicethread.com/share/5828818/
References
Pitler,
H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction
that works
(2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD
David
ReplyDeleteWhat a relief this is our last blog posting and fitting that it is about social learning. You have mentioned in prior blog postings that you are a huge proponent of using technology in conjunction with teaching math. I’m particularly fond of your idea where the students work together to teach an actual math problem or class. I’m curious, have you run into any problems when using technology in this way? I mean certainly there are some more visual learners who would like me require a pencil and paper method. What are some obstacles you face when using technology with math? Do you have any? Perhaps your students are such digital natives that there are no longer any issues with this teaching strategy.
David
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHey Dave,
DeleteTechnology helps me create the experience of rolling dice instead of handing out dice to all my students to experiment in groups because of the tight schedule I have to keep so that I can teach my students the whole curriculum.
The technology helps me to convey the message that I am trying to send. I believe that teaching with technology and using PBL activities once and while is effective but I do not believe that group work is the primary way. I think that teaching with technology and letting students work out problems in pairs is the most effective form.
-DYam
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ReplyDeleteDavid,
ReplyDeleteI agree, technology can vastly enhance social learning practices, but unfortunately technology is not as widely accessible as we would like it to be. I am glad that there are strategies, like jigsaw, think pair share, or full out cooperative learning units, that allow student to interact socially to gain from their learning experience. I would think using more complex social learning strategies would be difficult in math because of the many concepts and the limited time. Also, it can be a task for individual accountability when there are many minds and one answer, different levels, and multiple input from all group members unless the math problem allows for multiple answers and different perspectives.
Steve
Hey Steve,
DeleteYou hit it right on the head, it is difficult in math but I give my students the opportunities to come up with different solutions in impromptu group settings. There has to be a proper balance of using technology to convey ideas and not let it dictate how to teach simple ideas without confusing it with technology.
-DYam
David,
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting that you do not believe social learning is not the primary way students learn yet you say students should be working together in small groups daily to discuss the material. I believe that this is a form of social learning. I think tying difficult concepts to the real world helps students better understand because they can see the relevance of what they are learning. I believe technology has helped teachers and students with teaching and learning difficult concepts. How would you handle a situation where a students did not have an iPad or a smartphone? How would they access the material?
Karry
Hey Kevin,
DeleteStudents can use the computer lab in school if they do not have a smartphone or ipad but I have also offered to print such materials out for them, so there really is no excuse.
Kevin, I still stand by what I said, I believe that social learning is important but I do not believe it is the PRIMARY way we learn. I believe that students need structure created by habit and routine which is done through teacher centered instruction followed by student interaction for short periods of time for effective learning.
Thanks for the comment.
-DYam