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?
Speaking from my personal experiences, I believe that humans have the basic instinct to “interact and work as a group” as stated in Rheingold’s video. I find that when I am in a group it is less of a challenge to accomplish a goal when I can collaborate with my peers. I also find that when my students are in a challenging situation that it is natural for them to look around and find a peer who does not feel that the assigned task is a challenge. Often times, the students begin to collaborate in order for them to successfully accomplish the assigned task. The Metiri Group conducted a study on the impact of collaborative learning the results revealed substantial gains in academic achievement. For more information about this study you can visit http://www.cisco.com/web/about/citizenship/socio-economic/docs/Metiri_Classroom_Collaboration_Research.pdf
How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles?
According to the Driscoll (2005), a constructivist acquires knowledge as they “attempt to make sense of their experiences” (p. 387). So we as teachers need to provide students with learning experiences that will allow them to build on their prior knowledge and connect it to their newly acquired knowledge. In this setting, students need to be actively engaged in collaboration and working in cooperative groups. The role of the teacher is to provide “an environment for spontaneous research, understanding the social and collaborative nature of learning, helping children construct knowledge and initiate problem-based, project-oriented work” (Nanjappa & Grant). As a result, technology is used as a tool to engage learners in meaningful task that will assist them in acquiring, interpreting, and organizing knowledge.
References
CISCO (2009). The impact of collaborative, scaffolded learning in k-12schools: A meta-analysis Retrieved http://www.cisco.com/web/about/citizenship/socio-economic/docs/Metiri_Classroom_Collaboration_Research.pdf
Nanjappa, A. & Grant, M. (n.d.). Constructing on constructivism: the role of technology. Retrieved http://ejite.isu.edu/Volume2No1/nanjappa.htm
Rheingold, H. (2009) Way-new collaboration retrieved fromhttp://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html
Hello Cora,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I also like collaborating with my peers. Everyone has different point of views. I do believe that Rheingold ideology is possible.
I plan to do more problem-based learning in my classroom. I would love to collaborate with someone to meet the goals.
I would love to know what problem-based activities you used with your students. If I can help you reach this goal please feel free to contact me.
DeleteGood luck!
Cora,
ReplyDeleteCollaboration is such a valuable tool for teachers and students. Technology has made it easier and more effective for us to collaborate. Do you have any favorite technology tools that you like to use for collaboration among other teachers or with your students?
Hi Laura,
DeleteI have not used any collaborative technology tools with my students. If you know of some great ones please feel free to share.
Hey Cora,
ReplyDeleteYou write, 'In this setting, students need to be actively engaged in collaboration and working in cooperative groups.' Do students NEED to be in collaboration and working in cooperative groups that will allow them to build on their prior knowledge and connect it to their newly acquired knowledge? I think that, even with constructivism, students can build on their prior knowledge and connect it to their newly acquired knowledge as an individual. They don't HAVE to be in a group.
Hello Cora,
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point about teacher and educators providing students with learning experiences that will allow them to build on their prior knowledge. This will allow for students to make sense of what they are learning. That's why it's important to know what tools and technologies facilitate such learning.