The article “Minds on Fire” suggests that traditional idea of lecture-based learning needs to be re-thought given the current technological advances. Learning needs to be viewed as participation in a community which allows students to acquire knowledge when the need arises. This new approach to learning is not so new as many teachers have used labs and projects to encourage student interaction but not necessarily using the internet. Let me provide an example of how the web 2.0 of blogs and Facebook has opened up new learning opportunities.
As a young high school running coach, I don’t have much knowledge when it comes to planning running workouts, injury prevention and various the components which go into coaching a cross country or track team. Books, websites and videos have provided me with information but it is difficult for me to apply it to my particular situation. Unfortunately, I am the only distance running coach in my school so the opportunities for collaboration are few. The best resource I have found so far is a blog by professional running coach, Jay Johnson. Jay posts his workouts, strength routines and everything else that goes into training his runners on his blog. On top of that, he engages in dialogue through the comment section, direct email and Twitter with other athletes and coaches around the country. Being able to participate in this dialogue and email Coach Jay has helped me grow immensely as a coach. I can get affirmation and guidance from him and other coaches without ever meeting them face to face. Jay uses a variety of mediums such as slide presentations, online videos as well as the blog and Twitter mentioned above.
In a high school science classroom, I foresee this new approach to learning helping in areas such as using equations to solve story problems. One of the biggest problems students have in physics is knowing when to use which equation and how. There are a lot of tricks and exceptions in physics which make this a difficult process. I demonstrate these problems in class but students usually write down a few steps and the answer without the explanation. If I uploaded a few example problems to a website using VoiceThread, students could have that as a resource. Students could also be required to write and solve their own story problems and then critique someone else’s. I could monitor these discussions and provide information or clarity when needed.
Socially constructed learning involves learning in an online or physical community. Information is provided when it is needed and learning is achieved through collaboration. By using blogs, VoiceThreads and other media, learning can take place in a guided environment outside of the classroom and at the student’s own pace.
Coach Jay Johnson
Posted by ryanewest 
