Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

Cooperative learning is a powerful tool in any classroom. In order for students to make meaningful connections to any subject area, social learning techniques must be used. It is crucial that students learn how to work with one another and learn strategies for team work and cooperation.  When our students become adults, they will need to be able to work with others and use strategies that they learn in school. In my classroom, I am constantly encouraging students to work together and respect each other's opinions, while recgonizing differences and appreciating opinion.  I find that students are quick to be critical, and I am working on helping them avoid. Many students dread working in group projects and cooperating, because they are scared to share their opinion.  Building self-confidence and teaching skills is crucial.

Technology plays a huge role in cooperative learning. Technology can allow for students to work in groups and still remain focused. I find that when I incorporate technology, like power points and web quests all students in the group are actively engaged and problems do not arise as often.  I feel as though when students are actively searching and involved with technology they are not only excited about learning, but are structured in their work in getting it complete.

I enjoy incorporating many of the cooperative learning strategies. I find that my students share ideas with each other and have valuable discussions when they are working together. I enjoy using webquest, power points, blogging, and other valuable tools with my students. However, as many of the teachers in my school are experience problems, so am I.  It is difficult to incorporate many of these valuable tools due to lack of resources and computer lab time. I was recently trying to have my students create their own digital stories, but lack of lab time and no available lap tops to use we have had to put the project on slow mode. I know my students are capable and there are endless possibilities, but we need to resources to allow for these possibilities to happen with our students.