Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

Social learning theories suggest that people construct an understanding of the world through their interactions with others, and connectivism extends social learning theory to shared human networks of information that can be organized and managed using technological tools (Laureate Educations, Inc. 2010).  

One particular instructional strategy that correlates with social learning theories is cooperative learning. This instructional strategy enhances student learning by focusing on students interacting in groups. “When students work in cooperative groups, they make sense of, or construct meaning for, new knowledge by interacting with others (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 139)”.  Four practices are recommended when applying cooperative learning in the classroom (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007) .

1.     Use a variety of criteria to group students.

2.     Use informal, formal, and base groups.

3.     Keep the groups to a manageable size.

4.     Combine cooperative learning with other classroom structures.

There are several technology tools that can facilitate cooperative learning such as Web resources, and communication software.  Students are able to collaborate with other students in their class, school, and community or even across the globe with these resources. They can communicate by using sites that allow them to share and create learning communities from school and home while still working as a member of a cooperative learning group with Web sites such as Moodle, http://moodle.org/. Because students are going to need “to be prepared for the fast-paced, virtual workplace that they will inherit, they need to be able to learn and produce cooperatively (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 139)”.  By integrating instructional strategies that correlate with social learning theories, students will be better prepared for the future and what is expected.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010a). Program eight. Social learning theories [Webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author

Pitler, H., R., E. H., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). "Chapter 7: Cooperative Learning." Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD, 2007. 119 - 138. Print.


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