Collaborative Learning through Social Media: Part II

Collaborative Learning = an educational approach to teaching and learning that involves groups of students working together to solve a problem, complete a task, or create a product

In 1994, Gerlach stated "collaborative learning is based on the idea that learning is a naturally social act in which the participants talk among themselves. It is through the talk that learning occurs."

And it is actually very interesting to think about - how do we study for exams? Do you use study groups? I personally learn the most when I study with others for an exam. It is the process of writing, listening, and verbalizing your thoughts which leads to actually learning. Studies have shown that we learn material more effectively when we are actively engaged and conversing with peers. The exchange provides multiple viewpoints and requires the articulation and defense of ideas.


Twitter

Let's consider Twitter, for example - a micro-blogging platform that is used for:

1. Keeping in touch
2. Online research
3. Live tweeting

This is a good representation of collaborative learning through social media because we used it in class. During a couple of lectures, we used Twitter as a space to talk and enhance classroom discussion by tweeting and retweeting each others' posts regarding the in-class lecture topic. 

Furthermore (and most importantly), a space like Twitter allows for professional networking with industry leaders, social leaders, prospective employers, and alumni. Live tweeting and retweeting allows you to become a leader yourself in your field. And lastly, the hashtag search system allows for efficient online research through an interactive window.

And other universities are trying this out, too! Georgia Southern University and UT Dallas have engaged in similar class activities with Twitter as a study on collaborative learning through social media:

https://makingconnectionsfye1220.wordpress.com/2008/09/09/assignment-48-hours-of-twitter/

http://www.utdallas.edu/~mrankin/usweb/twitterconclusions.htm

The results from UT's experiment were telling. The twitter experiment required students who normally would not participate to engage in dialogue. 

I think it is important as an educator to actively think and rethink of new teaching techniques, and Dr. Lavian truly embraces that in this course.