There are many instructional resources available that assist in cooperative learning. It is almost overwhelming to look at the list of resources that are referenced in the course text, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. However, there are so many social networking options, webQuests, web-site creation, wikis, blogs, etc. that all have a role to play in cooperative learning. Each of these resources puts the learning in the hands of the students. Whether in groups within the traditional classroom, or paired with students in a classroom across the world, students can work together to learn in ways that would not otherwise be possible.
Note: Most of the great resources that are available for cooperative learning are blocked by our technology administrators, and it is a very slow process in trying to convince them of the value of many of these sites.
We have the same problem at our school. There are many social websites and even fun interactive game websites that are blocked by the county. This does limit what you can do with your students, but it also allows you to be more creative and try new sites, that are not yet blocked, that students could interact with as well.
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteI agree, it is almost overwhelming to look at the list of resources that assist in cooperative learning. However, I narrowed my list quickly. I felt like a lot of the resources were aimed towards older students and not appropriate for my first grade students. But, as you stated, most of the great resources are blocked by our administrators too! Even if they understood the value of the sites, we don’t have the computers to use them. Unfortunately, social learning with technology isn’t in my near future!
Megan
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI also have the problem of having educational sites blocked. However, if I mention to the technology coordinator that there is something I would like to use for my classroom, he will unblock the site. It works both ways because if I see an inappropriate site the students have found, I will mention it to him so it can be blocked.
An interactive game that was not blocked at my school, which the students love to play because they can compete with each other across the room is http://www.arcademicskillbuilders.com/
Hey Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the vast amount of resources and how at times it can be overwheleming. It seems though that once you find a great webiste some of all of it is blocked at school. I seem to have the same problem as you. It is a challenge to find interactive websites that can be applied to my lessons.
This is why I actually have to do most of my planning at school. Though I sometimes enjoy doing it out of the comfort of my own home, once I take it into work and try to do what I need, I find that everythign is blocked. Our Tech people will unblock them, but it is usally a process.