Mod3_WK5-6
Question:
Do you believe that humans have a basic instinct to “interact and work as a group,” as Rheingold proposed in his discussion of the evolution of Wikipedia as a collectively developed encyclopedia? How can technology facilitate collaboration among learners based on constructivist principles?
Response:
Rheingold alludes to the fact that humans succeed through collaborative effort and when they all work in concert. I tend to agree with this statement. The evolution of Open Universities and Open software resources (e.g., UNIX etc) support the fact that there is a consistent effort for people wanting to work in harmony. Secondly, technology can facilitate the exchange of information and expanded access to a global environment – hence collaboration. The constructivist approach to learning is facilitated by the internet because the theory focuses on making connections and making meaning in the learning process.Technology such as the internet links together individuals who share common goals and interest. As an instructional tool, the internet enables distance learning by connecting people separated by time and space. It promotes peer learning by bringing learners together in the same space so that they can share their knowledge and insights, communicating with each other to help each other learn. If supported by effective communications, groups of different sexes, mixed cultures, varying learning styles, abilities, socioeconomic status, and age can bring a wealth of knowledge and perspective to authentic, challenging tasks. Effective communications is critical to knowledge construction. If web-based courses are designed with a constructivist approach in mind, the learners will be encouraged through self-directed learning. They will perform critical analysis through exploring an expanded environment. Learners are engaged, and reflect on their experiences and they navigate, create and construct their own unique knowledge bases.
References
Driscoll, Mary P. (2005). Psychology of Learning for Instruction. (3rd ed). Boston, MA: Pearson Publishing
Rheingold, H. (2008, February): Howard Rheingold on collaboration. [Video file]. Retrieved on October 12th, 2010 from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/howard_rheingold_on_collaboration.html
