Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

Cooperative learning has such an incredible tie to social learning.  When students are engaged in a social learning activity, such a creating a project together, teaching each other after researching a specific topic, or even studying with one another, social learning gives students the opportunity to share their insights with their peers.  This is a positive experience for students and allows time for sharing thoughts and agreeing on a single idea when working in groups.  Using technology to present an assignment allows for more student engagement.  The students have adapted technology skills through the accessibility of technology at their student’s fingertips.  I often find that my students are able to walk me through any troubleshooting due to their exposure.  They have a natural ability to work with peers while clicking the mouse at the same time.  Students prefer and are much more engaged through a visual presentation verses reading a chapter in their textbooks.