Most people learn new information from a social learning stand point. It comes through word of mouth or a conversation. One way or another, someone can always learn something new while socially interacting with other individuals. It works with so many adults and it is also true for students in the classroom. They absorb certain amounts of information and are given the opportunity to share their experiences through social interaction. It is very successful, especially since they can relate to each other and really do a fantastic job explaining it in ways they can understand. I have found it so interesting that this is what we have been concentrating on this week because it is something I have been fond of ever since I stepped foot in the classroom. It is always being highlighted in schools and really praised by administrators and theorists.
Once you add the availability of classroom technology into the mix and you have a picture perfect learning environment. There is a lot of social interaction and critical thinking going on with highly motivating tools and resources for all the students to use. Students can visit class websites to get up-to-date information on what is going on in class. Parents can check websites and blogs and always be informed. I remember when I was in 5th grade, we all had pen pals from another country. We would write and get responses probably once a month or so. Now, you can go online and video chat with someone halfway around the world. There are so many endless possibilities of where you can take this information. This past year, my class recorded videos of interviews with different teachers and principals for a debate project we were doing in writing class. We created an account on a website called Vimeo and were able to upload all of our videos on the internet.
Power Points and word processing has been around for a while, but all of these new programs such as iDVD, iMovie, Photo Shop, and Final Cut Pro (just to name a view) have really opened it up for the digital classroom experience.
Matthew,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your statement that one way or another someone can always learn something new while socially interacting with others. I have found that students, who are usually shy or timid to speak in front of the class, are more comfortable in group settings with their peers, allowing them to communicate and participate more than they would have in a whole group setting.
The use of technology is almost endless in the classroom and I feel that it is great that you are utilizing it within all subjects of your classroom!
Great Post!
The availability of new technologies certainly does enhance the ways students and families can connect and interact. As our world changes and grows into more and more of a global society, it is important for our students to have global interaction experiences. There is so much for them to learn in the use of technology and about other cultures and geography. Your idea to use live video chats would help accomplish these goals and be very enjoyable for the students.
ReplyDeleteMatthew,
ReplyDeleteI agree that we can always learn something new through social interaction, and cooperative learning provides students the opportunity to do just that. I also believe that, as you’ve stated, cooperative learning can be very successful because of the fact that students can relate to each other and explain the material in a way that they can understand. Your ideas seem very interesting and your learning environment exciting. I enjoyed reading your post.
Regina
Hi everyone,
ReplyDeleteI was at a family even this weekend and caught up with a lot of people that I have not seen in a while. Of course, I learned new things as I talked to everyone. Is this the same social interaction that students can benefit from in the classroom? I say of course! By interacting with others, you learn something new or see something in a way that you might not have thought of. It happens everywhere, which is why children need to be exposed to it in the classroom. They can not just sit their and listen to the teacher lecture. They will tune out and retain nothing. I am glad you all agreed on what I wrote. I feel like most people would. Your feedback was fantastic. Thanks!