Do you believe that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group,” as Rheingold proposed in his discussion of the evolution of Wikipedia as a collectively developed encyclopedia?
I do not believe that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group”. As a first grade teacher, I experience this first hand. My students have to be taught how to interact with each other when they are working in a group. I think humans have to learn how to interact and work as a group. We need to teach and show students how to collaborate with each other at an early age so that by the time they reach secondary education and beyond, they will be able to collaborate meaningfully and effectively.
How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles?
Incorporating technology is a proactive response to change because a lot of students are exposed to some form of technology. Constructivist theories support active learning that provide students with a task such as creating a wiki or blog, a power point or video presentation to showcase their learning. This is also great approach since it requires students to apply new knowledge while taking ownership over their learning experiences. The emergence of the personal computer and the miniaturization of different technologies have changed the way people learn, communicate and generate knowledge by allowing information to be readily accessible at all times. Technology allows my students interact with me and their classmates in a fun and meaningful way.
Find a current research study that has been conducted in the last 5 years that supports collaboration as an effective tool for learning. Include the link and reference for this study in your blog.
The following two articles support collaboration as an effective tool for learning:
Collaborative learning using a wiki.pdf and Using a wiki to evaluate individual contribution to a collaborative learning project.pdf
References:
Naismith, L. L., Lee, B. H., & Pilkington, R. M. (2011). Collaborative learning with a wiki: Differences in perceived usefulness in two contexts of use. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 27(3), 228-242.
Trentin, G. (2009). Using a wiki to evaluate individual contribution to a collaborative learning project. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 25(1), 43-55.
Just wondering - Do your students need to be taught how to play appropriately as well? For example, could they see a collection of blocks and build together, or would they work separately?
ReplyDeleteReggie, no my students don't need to be taught how to play appropriately. What I meant was if I would assign them a group project, I would first need to model to them how people interact with one another in a group. For example, a group will need a recorder and I will explain to them what a recorder does, etc. When it comes to playing, I allow them to play freely whether it's by themselves or with other classmates.
DeleteCharee,
ReplyDeleteWith working with younger students, do you see that they have to be taught to share and play with others or is it basic instinct? Since I work with 8th graders, they know how to work in collaborative groups because they have been doing this since they were in 3rd grade.
Hi Charee,
ReplyDeleteWhen I put my students in groups I watch them to see how they are going to react or participate. I only join in if there is a need to do so. My students draw sticks and choose their own leaders. If the leaders can not find a solution for the group then I will usually make minor suggestions. Yes, I do model the different jobs but I let my students do the collaborating.
Brigit
Charee,
ReplyDeleteDo you see a difference in student willingness to work together if they are any only child verses those that have siblings? It's been said that an only child does work well or play well with others.
Hi Charee,
ReplyDeleteI believe that human beings enjoy group work and collaboration, because they can provide support. Having support when you are developing reports is an effective learning strategy!
Charee,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I have a tendency to want to be "in control" at all times and working together with a group as a child was difficult for me. I had to be taught how to work together with other children. It is different from playing with others, however, I was a little bossy on the playground. =) I taught 7th grade and I had to teach my students how to work in groups. They wanted to work by themselves. It is not an instinct to want to work together as a group, but I do think it is a basic instinct for humans to want to interact with others.
Mel