Connectivism and Social Learning in the Classroom

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). Technology can definitely play a great part in this area of learning. I use this strategy quite often in my classroom, because I love seeing my students working cooperatively in groups, learning from each other. I rarely have more than four students in my groups and they are usually based on ability levels. All my students do believe they can work on the same level as the next person, however sometimes it is hard for me to see that in their work, but I never allow them to think any different.

Social networking in the classroom is a great tool. Students learning to work in a social setting where they are allowed to talk to each other and bounce ideas off of each other. My students work from Math Menus and they are always given a choice of what they want topic the group wants to work on. Dr. Orey, (Orey, 2009) states that Collaborative Learning is allowing students to be engaged in the learning while constructing projects and assignments through conversation. I really like the Math Forum website for my students to get ideas for Math Projects. Students love being able to work in a social setting and having a choice on what their thought patterns will be for the day.

Lastly, technology can play a unique and vital role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration, providing structure for group tasks, and allowing members of groups to communicate even if they are not working face to face (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Students love seeing their work posted and viewed after taking extra care to complete it.