Social Learning Theories
A news studio requires students to create original work
while working with a group of peers.
This could be as simple as co-writing a script, running a camera for the
reporter, or editing content produced by others. This collaborative learning allows students
to enhance each other’s learning.
Cooperative learning encourages an environment where students can reflect
on knowledge, process the information with their peers, and develop a common
understanding of the content (Pitler, Hubbell, & Kahn, 2012). In most studio settings this learning process
is classes Social-constructionism. Dr.
Orey defines this as students actively engaging in constructing an original
artifact while working collaboratively with others (Laureate Education Inc.,
2011).
Tips and Tricks of Cooperative Learning:
1. Vary the formation of groups. Allows students to choose some projects and
assign based on level of performance on others.
This allows students to develop knowledge and keep changing their
perspective.
2. Keep groups small. Most of my students complete packages in pairs or three person teams. In a pair I have a reporter and a photag and the role of editor is shared. In three person teams the editor is separate. These groups are determined by the complexity of the package. The production team consists of 4 people: the anchors, teleprompter, and camera operator.
2. Keep groups small. Most of my students complete packages in pairs or three person teams. In a pair I have a reporter and a photag and the role of editor is shared. In three person teams the editor is separate. These groups are determined by the complexity of the package. The production team consists of 4 people: the anchors, teleprompter, and camera operator.
3. Keep things systematic. Each role as a specific rubric and pre and
post production assignments to complete.
These are used to assess student knowledge and keep control among the
studio
.
Here is a video example of how my students work collaboratively
(created by my current Director and Lead tech) that describes the class as a
whole:
Voice Thread:
Although Voice Thread is praised by Walden University, I was
not impressed. Sure, it allows students
to gain feedback socially and therefore connect knowledge and content with
context and culture as defined by social learning (Laureate Education Inc.,
2011), but it did not have enough potential for the level of media collaboration
I would expect from my students. It would not allow me to upload a simple 45
second video. I tried multiple browsers,
formats, ect. The video format followed
the requirements according to their list.
I was not pleased. I would want
to use this source to allow students to give feedback on student work. I will stick with vimeo or youtube for this
form of collaboration. Moreover, my
students are expected to edit their audio and video with strict guidelines. They are not able to do this with voice
thread. It would be a poor use of time
to have students do such a thing when they can complete original artifacts and
post to a blog or video sharing website.
I thought about posting potential discussions or problem-based query;
however, I already do this on my website and on edmodo.com. I encourage this format for other classes
not media driven as much as mine.
Here is my Voice Thread:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011a). 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
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using
technology with classroom instruction that works (2nd ed.).
Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
A.J.
ReplyDeleteGood insight to the capabilities of Voice Thread. I would not have know these as I nor my students are using video or editing said video. I can see how this would hamper your efforts in the class room. The tips you offer illustrates how you use collaborative learning in your class. I can see how your class just would not work without collaboration but based on your Voice Thread, your class is flourishing. I really like the video - it illustrates the use of this technique perfectly. Great Post.
Greg
I was not impressed with VoiceThread, either. In my computer classes, this is not sufficient to really get students to collaborate or for a good way to communicate. I much prefer to use a blog or have them join a Google Chat while they work collaboratively instead. If I want to demonstrate anything to them that they can access later, I would prefer using www.screencastomatic.com where the specified area of the screen, all the mouse movements and clicks in that area, and any audio you record are captured. While this is still a very simple application to use, it lends itself much better to my classroom.
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ReplyDeleteVicki, I like www.screencastomatic.com as well. Could students use this as a collaborative tool to support social learning? Do you have any specific ideas on how?
ReplyDeleteA.J., I loved your tips and tricks! I also like to vary groups. I pull sticks so the students understand that, just as in the real workplace, they may have to work in settings with uncertainty. Perhaps they will have to work with someone they do not necessarily get along with or hang around with. There is a job to complete. It is all business. This teaches the students to put away their drama and get the work done, collaboratively!
Vicki, I am glad to hear that I am not alone. My students love google chat as well. In general, they flock to all things google: youtube, Google Drive, Google Docs, and Gmail.
ReplyDeleteDebra, Thank you for the suggestion! I used popsicles in the past when I taught English classes. There are smart notebook random generators that I like better. You can find them online. It has sounds and is extremely versatile. I also have an app on my iPad too. With Media Technology I rarely randomly pair people because some students would prefer not to be on camera. They are more the behind the scenes type. I either let them choose or I strategically place groups. I agree with your reasoning though.