Cooperative Learning Tools

This weeks' tools for collaborative learning were a great experience. I current am a facebook fantastic; however, it never crossed my mind to use it for collaboration. I know that wikis are for collaboration as well as learned in the previous class. Since these types of web 2.0 software are on the internet for students (and teachers) to collaborate, why not use them in the classroom? Since these tools are for students to bounce ideas off of each other, they learn more and construct more with what they are provided with. Thus, the connection to social learning theory, as Dr. Orey mentioned, the level where students are unable to grasp the concept unless they have a knowledgeable other, this is where students are unable to learn on their own (Laureate Education, Inc 2009). In order for them to learn, students have to depend on each other to help each other construct the project.

I explored "Building Homes of Our Own" and loved the software. This allows students to pick or build their home and watch the cost go up and down. Not only is this real life scenarios, but this allows students to problem solve. This also provides students to collaborate while they are in the quest of hunting or building a home within their budget.

I thoroughly enjoyed this section of the course because it provided me some ideas to take back to the classroom.

Reference:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.