Connectivism and Social Learning In Practice

The instructional strategy Cooperative learning correlates directly with the principles of social learning theories. Cooperative learning can be described as students working together with the purpose of actively engaging students in the learning process. Social learning supports the cooperative learning theory because of the student communication, collaboration, and cooperation with others. Empowering students to be responsible for their learning, contributing for the good of the group, would not be possible individually. This strategy imitates real-life learning by including teamwork and students working independently to contribute their piece to complete the assignment. With this in mind, students can collaborate with different levels of knowledge, experience, and expertise. They can be successful in making meaningful connections to their learning by interacting in a social atmosphere. The technology that I found to support this meaningful learning would be the wiki. I feel this is a good tool to help students work together on a task and be able to contribute their skills. I have not used this with my first grade class, but I am looking for ideas.

Laureate Education, Inc. (2009) Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Social Learning Theories, Connectivism as a Learning Theory, Spotlight on Technology.
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/ Social Constructivism, Cooperative Learning, Connectivism.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA:ASCD.