According to Orey (Laureate, 2008), the social learning theory actively engages students in learning by giving them to chance to construct and collaborate with others. The social learning theory deals with the students interactions with others. Significant learning takes place when individuals are participating in social activities (Orey,2001). Each student has a zone of proximal development. This is the place in which the student is able to learn. Anything below this zone is already known by the student. Anything above this zone, the student is unable to understand without help (Laureate, 2008). This is where a teacher, a fellow student or even a computer can come in to help.
One important instructional strategy to use with the social learning theory is cooperative learning. Cooperative learning groups should be used in ways to help improve learning. In the global society that we live in today, students need to know how to collaborate with others (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). There are many ways students can use technology while working in groups. They can work together to develop a wiki or a website. They could also create a video using technology. Simulation games are also a good way for students to work together. They can design a building or they can create a business and manage its finances. Even playing fantasy football with a group of students is a great learning opportunity in math.
Of course when using cooperative groups, it is good to get advice from those who have experience. Here are some helpful websites that I have found:
http://www.mathgoodies.com/articles/coop_learning.html
http://mathforum.org/mathed/co-learn.html
I find that a voice thread is a great tool for teaching. Students can work together to create a voice thread in order to present a lesson. They can preview each other’s thread and leave comments. This would be a great way to incorporate homebound students into the classroom experience.
Here is the link to my voice thread that discusses the problem of students not coming to school prepared. http://voicethread.com/share/1191986/
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program eight. Social Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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