In addition to the above mentioned strategies, cooperative learning is a successful teaching strategy in which small groups, each with students of different levels of ability, use a variety of learning activities to discuss and explore an understanding of a subject or topic. Each member of the group is responsible not only for learning what is taught, but also, for helping each other learn. Students work through the assignment until all group members successfully understand and complete the task and concept.
According to Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski, technology can play a unique and vital role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration, providing structure for group tasks, and allowing members of groups to communicate (2007). Thus, using technologies such as power point and then embedding this with voice thread, students will have the opportunity to create a group project and make a virtual field trip, with their voices embedded into the project. Another example of using cooperative learning and voice thread is by problem solving. Students can be placed into teams to solve problems and the teacher can facilitate the problem by creating power point with the instructions read verbally to the students. This will allow the students full access to the material in an individual group setting.
I recently created a voice thread / power point for a group collaboration project. The project that I chose includes the basic levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy. My students complete a problem solving unit each nine weeks. By adding the voice thread, as the teacher, I will no longer be required to repeat the instructions or read the instructions to various group members.
Voice thread: Survival
References:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
