Social Learning Theory and Technology

Vygotsky taught us that learning occurs through social interaction (Orey, 2001). I agree with this idea. From the time babies are born, they begin to learn language from the people around them. They listen and make connections between objects or people and their names, then slowly learn more abstract concepts which are represented by words. As children grow older, they learn by using language, asking and answering questions of those around them, and slowly gain an understanding of their world. Children do learn directly from the environment. For example, a child will learn that when a burner is red, it is hot, but it is through reflection upon what happened, which is dependent upon the use of language, that this same child will learn how to make their finger not burn, and why they should not touch the red burner, beyond the idea that it hurts. All abstract, or deep thought, is dependent upon language, and the reflection of things that happen. Language is dependent upon social interaction. By interacting with people in the immediate environment, we all learn concepts we might not be able to without the social interaction (Orey, 2001).

That being the case, technology provides us with valuable social and communication tools which expand our learning capabilities exponentially. Through social media such as Edmodo, or Voice Thread, students and adults are able to post ideas, thoughts, or questions, and receive comments and suggestions from people outside the physical environment of the classroom, or even the state in which the child is living. By being able to communicate with people around the world, children can now learn how the destruction of rain forests effect the lives of people who live in these remote locations, as well as the businesses who profit, or learn from zoologists around the world regarding how this issue effects plant and animal life around the world. The possibilities for learning are limitless today, due to technology which allows people around the world to communicate and socialize on an almost-immediate time frame.

For classroom use, social media allows students to communicate about projects, not only with people outside their classroom environment, but they are better able to coordinate projects with their peers as well. Students can make changes and post suggestions at any time, which allows them the flexibility to work on projects when they are interested, and motivated to do so.

I am even more dedicated than I was prior to reading the resources this week regarding social learning, to better incorporate social learning into my classroom. My students are capable to posting work, and receiving comments, and then possibly revising work based upon feedback they receive. I think a good goal for me to have in my classroom would be that my students be able to post a piece of work and revise it based upon feedback their receive to make their work better. Technology has given me the tools to meet this goal, I just have to figure out how I will use them to best reach my students and help them succeed.

Resources

Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved

from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom

instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.