Voice Thread: Week 5 Application and Blog Post

Confronting the uses, benefits, and challenges of technological resources in the classroom to the students.

URL:

• http://voicethread.com/?#u2291036.b2499162.i13232910

The instructional strategies described in the resources I explored this week correlate with the principles of social learning theories. Dr. Michael Orey mentions in his video short that students need to have a "more knowledgeable other" within a classroom setting (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). One can make the error of thinking the "other" can simply an individual that knows more than the students, like a teacher's aid or paraprofessional. However, if a teacher incorporates a technology component that can play the role as the "other", the goal of student comprehension may be reached easier. Orey says the "other" can potentially be a laptop computer or even a video presentation (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). Also, teachers can also satisfy the components of the social learning theory by allowing students to work with their fellow peers on any given task. For example, a teacher can assign a group assignment where students have to get in groups and produce a PowerPoint presentation using the scientific method. Students will have to use their social skills to collaborate and develop a presentation that satisfies the components of the assignment. Also, during the process, students who may be lacking in certain areas of the scientific method, main be able to gain a better understanding just by working with their peers on the PowerPoint presentation. Additionally, students who may lack the ability to work well with others, will have the opportunity to improve on the skill via the process. The social learning theory can arguably be used to described learning ever since the classroom environment was invented. As time has gone on, teachers have realized ways to allow students to collaborate with each other to complete tasks and now in the 21st century a technology component can be added to the process, taking social learning to a higher level. 

Resources:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program eight: Social learning theories [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1