In week five of our course, we explored social learning as defined by cooperative learning. A myriad of strategies exist to support cooperative learning: building web sites, exploring simulation games, interacting with Skype or Facebook tools, creating multimedia, Webquesting, blogging, GoogleDocs, jigsaw activities, think- pair-share, and many more.
The options are dizzying and I wonder which methods best fits my teaching style. Perhaps I should look at this way: Which collaborative tech tool or activity best suites my lesson? Whatever the perspective, it is certain that cooperative work is a give and take situation among students that builds critical thinking, as Palmer et. al cite: “Because cooperative learning creates a situation in which students must explain and discuss various perspectives, a greater understanding of the material is obtained” (2001, pg. 4). Not only does cooperative thinking create deeper understanding, but it also ignites motivation and builds interpersonal skills.
In my classroom, my English language learners are encouraged to elaborate their thoughts through conversation. Many times my ELL students are petrified to speak in front of the class (not because I’m Mrs. Grinch, but because of the embarrassment factor). However, by having them communicate in pairs or teams, they are verbalizing more freely and I think have more confidence when they are allowed to formulate ideas together. Palmer et. al support my viewpoint: “Cooperative learning creates a safe, nurturing environment because solutions come from the group rather than from the individual. Errors in conclusions and through processes are corrected within the group before they are presented to the class” (2001, p. 12).
I could see how the on-line sites that we had to explore help students to reach across the globe as they learn in a cooperative manner, especially sites like Edublogs, Webquest, and Facebook. However, the site Second Life seemed to me like it was geared for adults only. There were some pretty far-out worlds and crazy people to meet and create. I guess an economics teacher could look at Second Life as an opportunity to have her students do business (creating a store), bring business (Dell networking), and take on a virtual job. The option I liked on this site was the “Get Cultured” aspect. I could see taking my students on virtual field trips to the Latino Virtual Museum or having them partake in a book club of sorts.
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The tools that you choose to use may be partly decided on by student access to them in your classroom and at home, some may need students to be in smaller groups to realize their full potential. You mentioned about Second Life being more geared to adults, this is also something that I think we need to consider and the anonymity people can have in second life. There are other options out there including some aimed at a younger audience, here is a good article with links http://www.techdigest.tv/2007/10/virtual_worlds_3.html
ReplyDeleteRhinoab -
ReplyDeleteAccessability, both at school and home, is important to consider when planning a lesson that incorporates technology. Currently, I only have 4 computers for 30 students! So yes, I would have to plan carefully the integration and management of technology. I will take grouping into consideration, as you suggested. Some lessons and student personalities lend themselves better to customized groups. Thanks for the link...I will check into it!
Cristina,
ReplyDeleteI imagine that as an ELL teacher, you can think of many ways Voice Thread could enhance instruction. ELL who are hesitant speakers will be able to record their voice in a less intimidating way as they can erase and re-record their comments as often as needed. Students would also be more motivated to speak and use the language due to the highly engaging, fun tools that Voice Thread offers. In addition, Voice Threads can be created and accessed on home computers, which will be of great benefit when tech. resources at school are minimal. It is exciting to think of the potential this instructional technology offers our students.
Jen
ReplyDeleteCome to think of it, Voicethread would be an excellent tech tool for my ELL students because of the fact that as they create an artifact in English, they have the option to erase. Erasing, modifying, and feeling comfortable with what they put out onto the air would make learning less stressful and more accessible. The zone of proximal development would be supported in an acceptable, safe way. Unfortunately, few of my students own computers at home and even fewer have internet access. Most of the work would have to be done at school.