Technology survey

Friday, April 2, 2010

Cooperative learning

"Cooperative learning is not so much learning to cooperate as it is cooperating to learn" (Pilter,H., Hubbell,E.,Kuhn M.,Malenski,K.,2007). This was the phrase that stuck with me as I read our learning resources on cooperative learning and the social learning theory.

Cooperative learning can be used in conjunction with social learning theories because students have to learn to work together in order to learn the material. Technology can do this in many ways. I usually use the Internet for just as a resource for my students but eventually what I would like to do as a teacher is use it as a communication tool between my students and other students within the United States or even the world. Many of my students will probably never leave the area in which I teach. In using the Internet for a communication tool it will allow them to see what else is out there.

Another resource the text mentions is web-enabled multiplayer simulation games. I did not know these were available to play as a group. I like that it would involve problem solving and academic information both at the same time.

I really wish I could have been introduced to the process of cooperative learning and how to introduce it to my students at the beginning of the year. I will investigate possible ways of using the technique this year but I know for sure I will incorporate this into my next school year at the beginning of the year.

7 comments:

  1. Laura,

    Your opening statement was one that caught my eye when I was reading this week. I think that using cooperative learning is one way to help students learn skills that they will need to be successful in their lives. Communication and working with people are possibly the two most important skills students need after graduation. Allowing students the opportunity to learn and use these skills during school is a great way to help prepare them for their future.

    Technology is changing rapidly; I am sure that we will need to continue our education in order to provide a quality education for our students. I was not aware of the web-enabled multiplayer simulation games. I will be looking into how I can incorporate them into my classroom.

    Have a good week,

    Carolyn

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  2. Laura,

    I was not able to log on to your Voice Thread. I thought you might want to know.

    Carolyn

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  3. Laura,
    It is amazing how technology savvy our students are becoming. Many of my students are comfortable using the internet. They are faster than I am with certain aspects. With technology becoming more advanced than ever before, it is important for us to challenge our students and prepare them for their future workplace. Great post.
    Angie

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  4. Has anyone experienced or heard of Second Life being used in education? I tried it a few years ago, but the bandwidth was not good enough then. Now might be a good time to start trying as there have been big improvements in connectivity since then. As far as collaborative learning goes, SL is a real winner. If you ever make it on, my avatars name is Mewandering Hird :)

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  5. Carolyn,

    I don't know why you couldn't get on my voice thread. I know some people have.

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  7. Paul,

    I have never heard of Second Life. I will have to check it out. I would love to find an interactive game that can be used for Environmental Science. Let me know if you find any.

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