Connectivism is when learning takes place in a cooperative group using technology to enhance the relationships between individuals and the content/curriculum. A great example of connectivism and social learning was in the article, "Social Constructivism Vignette", when Mrs. Smith divided her class into groups and assigned each group one act of the play, Hamlet (Orey, 2001). After Mrs. Smith had realized for years that she had struggled teaching her students about Shakespeare's plays, she turned to social learning instructional strategies. As each student was to complete their part of the project, the end product of a modern-day puppet show was created through a social learning process. In the end, each student's mark was on the project, and they were able to feel a sense of ownership (Orey, 2001).
An instructional strategy that could be a great example of a social learning activity is a "wiki". The whole idea behind a "wiki" is for each student to to put forth their unique ability and talent to the project so the end project is a result of a "diversity of network" (Orey, 2001). I strongly believe that students can just as well learn from other students as well as the teacher. Just like Mr. Orey says a social learning project is where "the students [bring] their diverse interests and collaborated to create their finished product" (Orey, 2001). That is the true definition of a "wiki".
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology.
Amy, Have you used wikis in your classroom? I agree with your statements, but I have not integrated this technology in my class yet. One of my issues is the limited availability of the computer lab. I hope to be able to implement the use of this technology in the near future. Melissa
I have not used wikis in my classroom yet. As we are approaching our next unit, Cold War, after Spring Break, I have planned for my students to create a wiki in groups. My hopes are to divide my students (mixed in technological abilities) to research and set up a wiki about their different topics (Post World War II life in divided Germany, Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis & Bay of Pigs (President Kennedy), Space Race, Berlin Wall, Vietnam War, and the Fall of Communism in Germany and Soviet Union. I'm hoping that my students will set up a wiki about their topic, will research and provide various weblinks, pictures, etc about their topic. We will see!
Amy,
ReplyDeleteHave you used wikis in your classroom? I agree with your statements, but I have not integrated this technology in my class yet. One of my issues is the limited availability of the computer lab. I hope to be able to implement the use of this technology in the near future.
Melissa
Melissa,
ReplyDeleteI have not used wikis in my classroom yet. As we are approaching our next unit, Cold War, after Spring Break, I have planned for my students to create a wiki in groups. My hopes are to divide my students (mixed in technological abilities) to research and set up a wiki about their different topics (Post World War II life in divided Germany, Korean War, Cuban Missile Crisis & Bay of Pigs (President Kennedy), Space Race, Berlin Wall, Vietnam War, and the Fall of Communism in Germany and Soviet Union. I'm hoping that my students will set up a wiki about their topic, will research and provide various weblinks, pictures, etc about their topic. We will see!
-Amy