•Do you believe that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group,” as Rheingold proposed in his discussion of the evolution of Wikipedia as a collectively developed encyclopedia?
As Rheingold stated in his video, I too believe humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group” (2005). In my opinion, over the ages we have grown to understand the importance of collaboration to the survival of mankind. We depend on each other to get the “most for our money.” I believe as we advance more in technology, we will begin to depend more and more on one another. For example, look at the direction education has gone in the last 10 years. We have gone from a factory to a communal commons of learning. We understand that two heads are better than one.
•How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles?
In the reading, Driscoll wrote the following recommendations: 1) Embed learning in complex, realistic, and relevant environment; 2)Provide for social negotiation as an integral part of learning; 3) Support multiple perspectives and the use of multiple modes of representation; 4) Encourage ownership; 5) Nurture self-awareness of the knowledge construction process (2005). Technology enables these recommendations to come to life and engage our students. The best examples of the above question live in our classrooms today. At my school, Coahulla Creek High School, students use their tablets to do group research, access Edmodo, or Skype with one another about problems or discussion questions that they have encountered in class. Also, our school was built to encourage collaboration and the use of technology. So, the entire school has Wi-Fi for the students to use their tablets, iPads, or laptops. As one can see, technology is the best way to embed the constructivist principles into student learning.
•Find a current research study that has been conducted in the last 5 years that supports collaboration as an effective tool for learning. Include the link and reference for this study in your blog.
References:
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.
Rheingold, H. (2008, February). Howard Rheingold on collaboration [Video file]. Retrieved from
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html
Hi Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, “technology is the best way to embed the constructivist principles into student learning”. Providing your students with Wi-Fi access supports your school’s initiative in being technology oriented. I would like to see my students have the same option. Unfortunately, our school systems communications network is so secure that students and staff can only utilize the communication technology resources that the school provides.
Our school staff is utilizing Edmodo as a resource for staff development. Our staff development teacher is no longer fully released due to budget constraints. Staff development is now taking place via Edmodo. As a school, our focus is on providing differentiated instruction and providing a positive classroom environment. The staff development teacher provides resources to support our school initiatives through Edmodo. Teachers review the resources online and dialogue though responses on Edmodo. Everyone is enjoying the on-line staff development strategy. Staff appreciates the flexibility with timing.
Vaughn
Elizabeth and Vaughn,
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of Edmodo. What is that? How is it being used in your school?
Jennifer
Hello Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteI also agree that technology fits well in the constructivist approach. Students like technology, so it helps to engage students in the learning process. In my school, the Internet is down frequently. How does your school deal with this issue? How do you integrate technology in a constructivist approach?
Andres Anzaldua