Thoughts on Social Learning

Social learning theories such as Social Costructivism and Connectivism are catching on as the latest learning theories with subsequent strategies. The idea that people construct meaning primarily through their interactions with other people and their environment is one that I believe is flawed at the core. I personally believe that meaning is derived though inside thoughts, self thoughts and self discussion prompted by a catalyst possibly from the outside or inside.
But be that as it may we are now faced with using social learning in our classrooms. This can be a good thing when guided carefully and instruction is given regularly. One of the examples in the text book, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007) is using multimedia as a cooperative or collaborative learning project where the students create a video on a particular subject. By using this technology students can learn collaboratively using social constructivism. They can learn from and teach each other. Jig-sawing can also be used as an enhancement to the collaborative learning. Each student is responsible for a particular task or tasks and becomes an expert in it. Where the teacher comes in is where the students go beyond their zone of proximal development as discussed by Dr. Orey in the video Social Learning Theories. Once they go beyond this zone where they are able to learn from each other the teacher is needed to guide and instruct about the project on things that the students are unable to know by themselves. There is a need for a "more knowledgeable other" (Orey,2009) to help them learn.
I believe that there is a place for social learning and ultimately connectivism in schools today and that it can be used effectively in many situations. But I also think that the nature of it's meaning is flawed and it is not an overall nirvana for student instruction.

Resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories [DVD}. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.