The Role of Technology in Supporting Learning Communities
Technology in education and learning communities does not just do more of the same, it does something different, something powerful, something appropriate for all (Riel & Fulton, 2001). This article talks about teacher learning communities and also how technology plays a role in student learning communities. In today’s society knowledge is rarely constructed in isolation.
In a learning community, students learn how to work in teams and learn how to make teams work. When students are participants in learning communities that include a network of people who care about a specific issue, problem, or debate, the resources and direction of the learning are less predictable (Riel & Fulton, 2001). With communication on the Internet, it is possible for students to interact with many more people and ideas. Students, teachers, experts, and others around the world can pose challenging questions to one another, point to valuable resources, and provide instant responses to questions posed (Riel & Fulton, 2001). The article lists a variety of technology tools for building learning communities for students: electronic field trips, online mentoring, science investigation, and virtual reality technology. According to Riel & Fulton (2001) when given more independence and allowed to undertake self-directed studies, students can become experts on different topics.
Technology provides an opportunity to open up the isolated classroom and to bring in new resources to support teachers. Riel & Fulton (2001) state communication technology provides opportunities for collaborative learning environments for teachers in which they can reflect on practice with colleagues, share expertise in a distributed knowledge framework, and build a common understanding of new instructional approaches, standards, and curriculum. Online learning communities can be a very powerful tool and resource for teachers. Teachers can use different online communities to reflect on practice, experiment with new content, share approaches, and provide pedagogical, technical, and emotional support to one another (Riel & Fulton, 2001).
Today’s student and teacher learning communities benefit from communication technology. Teacher’s, often faced with overwhelming problems, can benefit from access to collective solutions shared by peers in other locations. Learning communities offer a revolutionary change in the way we organize school learning for all people who work in education (Riel & Fulton, 2001, p. 523). Technology allows educators to do something different and powerful for all learners.
References:
Riel, M., & Fulton, K. (2001). The Role of Technology in Supporting Learning Communities. Phi Delta Kappan, 82(7), 518-23.
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