Social Networking and Collaboration Tools-Engaging Student Learning

     The social networking and collaboration tools for the classroom today are explosive and dynamic.  There are so many to choose from that to narrow it down can sometimes be a daunting task.  One of the key questions that I have to ask before I chose a particular social networking or collaboration tool is what are my main objectives for students to learn with this lesson or project?  Then I begin to think about which webtool will help me meet those objectives in a timely fashion.   Technology provides the avenue to incorporated cooperative learning skills which in most cases is free and innovative. 

     Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, M. (2012), states “studies show that there is a modest increase in effort size when students use technology collaboratively, or work together with computer.” (p74)  There is something special that happens when students have the ability to use technology to work together on a lesson or project.  Combined with the needed tools at their disposal, students with creative minds who are thinking, planning and executing ideas is exhilarating to witness.  The final product or presentation is even more appreciative once seeing the efforts to make it happen.  

     One of my greatest experiences has been working with a program called Penpalschools (https://penpalschools.com).  My students were able to connect with other students in Canada and discuss specific world topics such as poverty, the environment, technology, war and conflict, government and then they shared a final project together.  We were planning to Skype each other however, due to schedule conflicts we were not able to make it happen.  My students were really engaged in this event and in the process learned about Canada and the things that Canadians like to do.  I would highly recommend this program for teachers.  This experience reconfirmed for me that social leaning for students is fun, engaging and interesting.  

     My middle schools students have been recently introduced to shared bookmarking webtools such as Diigo (www.diigo.com) and Evernote (www.evernote.com) and are trying to understand how to use them for academic purposes.  They are in the learning process of aggregating information on websites and will soon understand their usage.  We are also beginning to use Google Documents for collaborative writing assignments.  A very helpful webtool has been Edmodo (www.edmodo.com) which gives me the ability to place students in small groups online to share ideas and respond to each other both in school and at home.

     The use of social networking and collaboration provides the necessary conversation about the work which can be more important than the product or artifact the student produces. This teaching strategy moves the focus of information away teacher centered classrooms to student centered classrooms.  In my opinion, students sharing with each other is the best type of engagement because it creates connections of information that students can remember for years to come.   

   

                                                             Reference

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD