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.
J. Oliver,
ReplyDeleteYou did a good job creating your voice thread. You are using this for a group project, which seems like it would be a good way for your students to do this task. How are you going to make sure all group members are pulling their own weight? Social learning is a key way in which students learn and now with technologies growing more and more prevalent it is becoming easier for them to collaborate. We have to do our part to ensure that we do not stifle them and allow them to use these social media to enhance their learning.
-Jakob-
Jakob, the activities that I have included in my lesson will force the students to "pull their own weight". The chart that I refered to in the lesson has been broken down so that each member will be required to write in a response and then the group will vote to see which response is the best idea. My lesson is based on Bloom's and as the tasks get completed, they get harder. I showed this to my 11 year old daughter, who creates power points about her special interests a lot and she loved the voice thread application. It's a hit at our house!
ReplyDeleteHi Johna.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you used Bloom's Taxonomy to create an activity for your students to complete. Your Voice Thread was well thought out, and you made it clear to your students what was expected. The fact that you allowing them to work together to study, analyze, and create a product (a Power Point) is great way to incorporate Social Learning Theory activities into the classroom. In you blog post you did a good job of summing up the major concepts we learned about the Social Learning Theory and Collaboration. Good job with both your post and your voice thread! I think your students will enjoy viewing the thread, and the visuals will make it easier for them to imagine the "survival" situation.
Thanks for sharing.
Tonya Todd
Tonya,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comments. This project is a project that I use at the beginning of the year. By adding voicethread, I will be able to help more groups without being interrupted or "re-questioned" about the task I am asking students to do. With all lessons, I believe the most important part of using any new technology with students or ideas, would be to model the concept. I will create a "dummy" lesson for students to play with so that they will know how to start and stop the power point and also, make comments as they go. I want my students to be interactive in this process.
Johna,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your voice thread! Is this your first? I am sure your class will enjoy the survival thread. I know my class really enjoys any technology activity. Good Job!
Yes, Dawn, this is my first voice thread and I really liked it a lot better than the podcast. It was much easier to use.
ReplyDeleteJohna,
ReplyDeleteHad you used Voicethread before it was assigned in our class? One of the teachers in my building uses it, but seems to just use it just for podcasting. Do you know of any other teachers that have used it and what they did?
Hi again Johna.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your response to my comment. I like your idea of using the VT as a way to help students understand without having them interrupt or ask questions about what has already been asked (said). I think your students will like the VT.
Tonya Todd