The cooperative learning instructional strategy assists educators with creating a social learning climate. In this environment, the students work together in small groups to understand new knowledge. The interaction and discussion among students promotes the development of positive social skills while providing opportunities for the group members to share ideas and validate assumptions.
Embedding multimedia, web resources and communication software in cooperative learning forums further enhances student learning by providing structure for group tasks. These forms of technology also allow members of groups to learn and produce cooperatively, even if they are not working face to face (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007). Global telecommunication networks, such as ePals enable students to engage in project sharing and language learning. WebQuests also provide students from multiple locations with easy access to information, which increases the time they have to focus on understanding and using the information.
Think about this: most parents and employers today view social networks such as Facebook as distractions from constructive activities and work. Yet, in the next decade, our students will enter demanding work places that require global networking and collaborative problem-solving. Their future success is somewhat contingent on their ability to locate and share information globally.
So, should employers and parents embrace social networking in support of our children’s future success? Take a look at this clip I found on YouTube and decide.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIFYPQjYhv8
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Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your well-written post. I agree that students need to understand how to use global-networking and the benefits it can have whether at their place of employment or at home with a hobby or interest. I recently was explaining to some of my music classes that some pop groups and composers have written pieces of music while thousands of miles apart from one-another. One groups' guitar player worked out the musical parts on the east coast, and then emailed the files to the west coast for the singer and drummer to match their parts with. 10 years ago this would not have been as possible or convenient but technology has really enabled us to globally network and make the world a smaller place.
Thanks for your post and have a great week!
Dustin
I must say I totally agree with your views on the skills our students will need when they enter the workforce. The ability of our students to be resourceful in varying contexts is far too often ignored. Most teachers, schools, and national curricula are preparing students for jobs that won't exist. The sluggish response of politicians and most teacher and principal preparation programs is nothing short of ruinous. Meanwhile the rest of the world surges on as they recognize a good thing much quicker than we. Soon they might just get sick of waiting for the West to catch up.
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