What is social learning? And, how do we relate to it from an educational viewpoint? Well, to truly understand social learning, let us start at the beginning. For centuries, humans have learned from one another and to be more exact we, as individuals, learn through our families, friends, and communities. Simply put that means we construct our views and understanding through our interactions within our environment. From a classroom or education perspective, Dr. Orey states that "Social Constructionism" is collaborate learning in which students are actively engaged, constructing artifacts, and conversing with others (Laureate, 2011).
Dr. Orey also speaks about the "Zone of Proximal Development" by Lev Vygotsky in which a person is capable of learning new material at a varied rate and time with some form of support (Laureate, 2011). This support can be the teacher, another student, or application tools. To sustain the social learning theory, social technology tools like voice threads and even Facebook can be instrumental in creating growth and connecting students with others beyond the classroom.
The connections students can make with social learning theory among other theories was discussed by George Siemens from our resources this week. He viewed "Connectionism" as theory in which knowledge is networked and the act of learning is forming those networks and navigating them (Laureate, 2011). Siemens also list three vital roles that connectionism displays and those are: it explains how learning occurs, allows for us to design future models of learning, and helps us to make understanding or awareness of the present (Laureate, 2011).
With all of the learning theories in existence, I still feel today that we primarily construct our views and understanding through interactions with others and our environment. That is not to say that we do not incorporate other forms of learning which allows for further connection and development.
References
Laureate
Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program eight: Social learning theories
[Video webcast]. Bridging learning
theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Laureate
Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program nine: Connectivism as a learning
theory [Video webcast]. Bridging learning
theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
This was a very empowering week. All of the learning resources and activities fit together perfectly to form a very clear picture of the close relationship between social learning theory and connectivism. Technology gives social learning a real boost because it allows us to cast a wider net and look outside the classroom for authentic learning activities and instructional events. This leads to high engagement and relevance for students. I wonder if Web 2.0 tools and Siemens's connectivity theory will prompt Howard Gardner to add a "connectivist" category to his multiple intelligence list.
ReplyDeleteHi Bob, thank you for your reply. I think the question you posed is very insightful and legitimate. Of the nine multiple intelligences, created by Howard Gardner, I think the center piece for all intelligences should be connectionism or a connectivist view. If he does decide to make it a tenth intelligence maybe you will garner some credit for your wonderful perception.
DeleteHey Curtis,
ReplyDeleteIt actually was tough for me to decide which side I should post to on our discussion board and in the end I chose the "no" side primarily because there are students out there who cannot function socially due to their learning disabilities. However, there is no doubt that from birth we begin learning through social constructs and continue to do so through out our lives. In education I find it to be a powerful learning theory that I will utilize more often realizing the potential it provides, especially with given technologies.
~Michelle
Hi Michelle, thank you for your response. You opened up my eyes because I never gave thought to those who have learning disabilities and lack social skills. With that said, I know from my personal experience a lot of my students have lacked social skills so it is something to think about with cooperative learning. For me, I always try to pull these students in slowy and hope to some degree they start to open up more socially. The main thing, by gaining their trust, I have conquered half of the battle. In the end, if I can get these students to interact with others and provide input then they will be successful.
DeleteCurtis I like your methods of getting your students drawn in and I do the same. I guess it really has to do with trust and the respect that is gained between teacher and student. I mean we want our students to have no fear and to be confident, not cocky, individuals in society.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments! ~Michelle