Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

Various theories of learning have been suggested, and these theories differ for a variety of reasons. A theory is a combination of different factors or variables woven together in an effort to explain whatever the theory is about. Theories based on scientific evidence are considered more valid than theories based on opinion. Learning is defined as a process that brings together personal and environmental experiences and influences for acquiring, enriching or modifying one’s knowledge, skills, values, attitudes, behavior and world views. The relationship between theories and practice is complicated by there being more than one type of learning. In the media segment Dr. Orey discussed how in the past educational institutions prepared their learners to acquire a set of skills that they would be utilized for a single life long career. 21st century learner require a different set of skills to be prepared for constantly evolving world. Nearly every educational setting involves several types of learning, each with its unique importance to the functioning of the classroom.

From learning theories like Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism, and Social Learning, it might be possible to extrapolate future models of learning taking into account the interconnections of the theories and the increasingly networked and connected world we live in (Laureate Education, n.d.).  Connectivism and Social Learning are prevalent in today’s classrooms.  Social learning suggests that students understand content in a more meaningful ways through active engagement in conversations and building artifacts with peers (Laureate Education, n.d.). This theory states that students can learn from one another by actively participating in a social group. Cooperative learning and multimedia experiences are two instructional strategies that support social learning. Utilizing these strategies will enhance student learning and create lifelong learners. Cooperative learning occurs when groups of students interact with each other to enhance learning (Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2012).  Technology can be used to support learning in this type of collaboration. When students interact with each other in social situations and learn the curriculum and are very likely to retain this information.  They are able to interact with information on a deep level, thus committing it to their long-term memories.  Technology is changing how we learn and providing new ways for social learning to occur. 

Reference:

Laureate Education (Producer). (n.d.). Social learning theories [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology.  Retrieved from http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Main_Page