Social Learning Theory and VoiceThread

In the classroom setting, I believe different learning theories should be implemented. Social learning is a practice that I believe is extremely important. The social learning theory is defined as students being “actively engaged in constructing artifacts and conversing with others” (Laureate Education Inc., 2008). In my classroom, I use this strategy daily. I have a saying that I tell my students every year: “You will learn as much if not more from your peers, than you will learn from me.” They think I am crazy when I first say this in August. However, they quickly learn that this statement is true. I use a lot of collaborative grouping in my classroom.

In the book, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, I read a chapter that particularly related to social learning. The chapter on cooperative learning gave a lot of ideas about how to use this in the classroom. I particularly liked the idea of having students create a website. This example relates to the social learning theory because the students are working together to bounce ideas off one another. The students are also constructing an artifact. They are working together to create a final product that they are proud of. The example in the book was about the students creating a website for a particular city. At the end of the project, the students were sharing the link with the city’s Chamber of Commerce to receive feedback. I think this is a wonderful way for students to learn to work together. Creating a website in a cooperative learning group helps the students learn how to function in a group as a team member and as an individual through their particular role.

I plan to use this in my classroom. I have thought of one way to use this in reading. I plan to have my students create a website about a particular book they have read. In my classroom I use literature circle groups. In these groups the students (4-5) read a book together and complete various tasks throughout the reading. I think that at the end of the book creating a website would be a great way for students to share the book with their peers. The students would be able to create a website and then share the link with their peers and other schools. I think after viewing the website that it would encourage other students to read the same book.

I teach 4th grade reading, writing, and social studies. Anyone have another idea for how I can use website creation in my classroom?

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program eight. Social Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

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

VoiceThread is a great technology tool that I have just learned about. I created a VoiceThread to share with my fourth grade students. I have realized that bullying has become a major issue in my school and unfortunately in my classroom. The VoiceThread I created is about bullying. Please let me know what you think so I can make changes and share it with my students.
VoiceThread: Bullying 

Constructionism

Of all the learning theories constructionism to me is one of the most important.  Constructionism is the learning theory that people learn best when they create something they can share (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008).  I am a huge believer in this learning theory.  I believe people learn by doing.  In my classroom, I use a lot of project-based learning.  By using this learning style my students are the creators.  They are actively engaged in the learning process. 

In chapter 11 of the book, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, the authors provide several examples of how this learning theory can be used in the classroom setting.  I realized that one of the websites they suggested using is actually a website that I use in my classroom.  I use the website www.plimoth.org/education/olc/index_js2.html with my students (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).  This website requires the students to become investigators of the first Thanksgiving.  The site takes the students to several different pages that teach the students new information about different parts of this event.  My students love interacting with this website because to be completely honest it is more exciting than listening to me lecture.   After my students have used this site I have been amazed at all of the information they are learning.  In the future when I use this website I plan to have my students create something after completing the online investigation into the first Thanksgiving.  I think by having them create something on their own that they will be able to store and retrieve even more information.  I highly recommend this website to anyone that teaches about pilgrims, Indians, or the first thanksgiving.

Resources

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program seven. Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

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

Cognitive Learning Theory and Technology

The cognitive theory relates to how the students learn and store information.  The cognitive learning theory is made up of several components: elaboration, dual coding, network model of memory, and working memory (Laureate Education, Inc., 2007).  Integrating technology into the classroom can help teachers enhance student learning and address these components of the cognitive learning theory.

After reading several chapters from the book Using Technology with Classroom Instruction the Works.  I found several technology resources that would correlate with the cognitive learning theory.  The one that I think is the most influential is using concept maps.  I think that these maps would be a great resource to the students in my classroom.  The maps would help them make connections to their learning and elaborate on prior knowledge.  I think that concept maps can be used at any grade level and across all subject areas.  I also think that using the Internet to go on virtual field trips correlates to the cognitive learning theory.  I teach social studies and there are a lot of places I would like to be able to go to with my students.  The Internet allows me to "take" my students to these places.  By going on virtual field trips we are able to explore and learn about these places using informational images and text.   The students are able to make connections between what we are learning in class to the images they view on the virtual field trip. 

I think there is a place for cognitive learning theories in the classroom and I believe that there is technology available that correlates to this learning theory.  If the technology is used effectively it will enhance the instruction and student learning.

Webspiration is a great website to use to create a concept map. The map can be shared with colleagues and there isn't a limit to the number of maps you create. You will have to create an account, but it's free!

The Underground Railroad is a good virtual field trip to take.  My students enjoy listening to the story read aloud.  They are also able to make choices along the way to freedom.  The interesting thing is that the story doesn't always end the same way.  I recommend using this with an upper elementary classroom.  It allows for the hardships the slaves faced come to life for the students.

Resources
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program five. Cognitive Learning Theory [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

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

Behaviorism-based learning

I believe behaviorism-based learning is important in every classroom.  However, I do not believe it should be the only learning theory used.  In the book Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works I read two chapters that relate to using behaviorist learning theories in the classroom. 

One of these chapters was called Reinforcing Effort.  It is hard to show students effort and I often struggle with this.  The chapter mentioned using rubrics and graphs to show students data.  I teach 4th grade students and I believe using a rubric and spreadsheet to track effort would be very effective.  I think it would really benefit my students and help show that the effort they put forth is reflected in their grades.  I often hear myself saying that but it never seems to stick.  I think that showing them using rubrics, graphs, and spreadsheets would be much more effective.  This strategy relates to the behaviorists learning theories because it reinforces and punishes students when they analyze their effort and grades.  I plan to use this in the future.

The chapter called "Homework and Practice" was also useful.  I believe homework should be used in every classroom and at all levels of education.  Homework is the most effective when the students can do the majority of it independently.  Homework is not something for the child's parent to do.  It is important for the student to practice the skill in order for them to become proficient.  I found the information in the book about using technology to practice to be very helpful, however most my students to not have the capabilities to do this at school or at home.  I hope to use the technology ideas provided in the chapter as part of my classroom instruction to reinforce skills.  This strategy relates to the behaviorists learning theories because it allows the students to practice what they have learned and receive positive or negative feedback.

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