I feel that cooperative learning is very important in the learning process of our students. The social interaction between students is needed for social belonging as well as practice for working together with others when you become employed in the work force. Like I have said in the past, working with others allows you to bounce your ideas off of them and receive input for you to become more advised to what might be needed. Many ideas are thought of when someone else gives you a concept to begin with. Instead of being in groups, a student might be interacting with a student in another state or country. "Communication with students in other cities, states, and countries broadens the perspective of students and challenges them to learn about other cultures, languages, and issues throughout the world." (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007) Spending time on the computer enhances typing skills as well as making friends and learning about culture from somewhere else.
By hearing and seeing what is being presented to you, one can interact within a small grouping where you can feel comfortable. Since the group is smaller than a regular class, more ideas and interaction will happen. The teacher will also have more time to walk around to see the progress that is happening and to answer questions that the students may have. When technology is included in this mix of ideas, learning is brought to a different level. Having time to set aside to let the students work on the computers lets them explore new ideas and concepts to broaden their knowledge. Even though technology is advancing at an incredible rate, two or more students talking and engaging in some type of discussion is important. Social interaction and learning is key.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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Phil
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts on social learning. When our students are able to brainstorm and network with others, varying points of view are introduced and they are also being exposed to skills that they will need in the future. Working in groups can broaden perspectives and help our students to be more accepting of opinions and priorities that are different from theirs. As you said, when technology is added, that scope can be widened even more. This process replicates real-world interactions.
This makes me think of times that I have struggled with difficult problems within my own education. I was confined by my inability to only see the problem from another direction. Once that other angle was shown to me by say a study partner i could easily grasp the concept. I agree, sometimes it simply takes another unique brain seeing things from a different perspective to help us see our own errors.
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