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