There were many strategies discussed in the chapter, "Cooperative Learning" in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. These strategies had a very strong connection to social learning theories.
One particular strategy that I liked was WebQuests. They are "inquiry-oriented activities that allow students in a class or from multiple locations to work together to learn about a particular subject or to tackle a particular project or problem" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p.145). By having students work together to complete WebQuests, they are interacting with each other as well as the material in the WebQuest to learn. This is very much an application of social learning theory.
A second strategy that I liked was Web Site Creation. By having students work together to create a web site that follows given criteria, students are very much interacting with the information and deciding what is most important for their web site. They are also interacting with each other to create the web site and learn the material, which is another great application of the socialist learning theory.
References
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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It could be neat having different students maintain their own classes website. What if small groups or pairs of students were in charge of learning the material a head of time? In essence they would have to teach each other, using the teacher as a resource for clarity. If not a head of time, during, then students can use it as a review as they go.
ReplyDeleteSort of the same idea as a wikki site, but just on a website.
It might get other students interested just to see what their classmates were learning.
Or…contests could be held for best websites for different parts or sections of the class.
If these are not the ideas, there are many more. I agree with you, that creating a website is a valuable teaching tool that could be applicable outside of academia.
I think having your students create a website is a great idea! I think the Wiki page might be a little easier for them to navigate, and they can access the site from home without a major ordeal. Plus, you can see who is editing at any given time, which is a plus! Having control over the website is a major concern on my part with middle school students. Sometimes, they can get a little crazy!
ReplyDeleteBethanne
I also like the website creation idea. If you want your students to create quality live sites but they may not know a lot about design, you can have them use a site such as Google Sites, or Wix (www.wix.com) which is basically WYSIWYG editing. This is a little bit more advanced than a wiki and allows a bit more constructivism and creativity to the project.
ReplyDeleteBrett
Chip, I really like your ideas about how I could use website creation in my classroom! I particualrly like how I could have contests for best web site! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBethanne, I agree with you that using a Wikki could be easier on my students and myself! I will keep that in mind! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteBrett, I will check out the site you suggested! I can use all the help I can get! Thanks!
ReplyDelete