I decided to review Vygotsky’s Social Development Theory. This theory is rooted in the idea that social interaction plays an important role in development. Vygotsky (1978) states: "Every function in the child's cultural development appears twice: first, on the social level, and later, on the individual level; first, between people (interpsychological) and then inside the child (intrapsychological). This applies equally to voluntary attention, to logical memory, and to the formation of concepts. All the higher functions originate as actual relationships between individuals" (p. 57). This theory also focuses on the idea that people develop as they participate in social interaction with others. Furthermore, complete cognitive development is not possible without social interaction. Vygotsky discusses the example of a child pointing their finger. This gesture initially has no meaning. However, as it begins to illicit a reaction, it develops a meaning in the child’s mind.
Initially, I struggled to find a way to relate a theory centered in the idea that social interaction in necessary for human development to distance learning. However, with the technology that is available today, the two things are interrelated. Educators, especially in technology based courses, are able to utilize technology to allow students to communicate and develop by socializing with one another. As we think back on this semester, we as students have been able to communicate effectively while participating and organizing our projects. Students now have technology tools allowing them to socialize with other students and instructors that were never before available. For example, when delegating the responsibilities for our group project, we were able to communicate using the message board, e-mail, as well as skype.
To encourage cognitive development via social interaction in courses that incorporate internet-based applications, teachers should require students to utilize technology that will allow them to interact with other students. Teachers can utilize message boards to allow students to discuss issues with one another. Furthermore, they could utilize instant message services like AIM, Facebook’s Messaging Service, or Yahoo Messenger to communicate in real time. There are also services like Face Time and Skype that allow students to have face to face communications. With most colleges, and even some high schools utilizing distance learning, it is important that teachers continue to involve and utilize the best technology that is available to encourage social interaction among students.
In addition to courses that are completely distance learning, teachers can utilize these technologies in the classroom as well. For example, a teacher could use Skype to allow their students to communicate with students in other areas, or even other countries. In a foreign language course for example, teachers could allow their students to chat live with students in that foreign country to develop their language through socialization with the student in that country.
Matt, I agree with the premise behind this theory that people develop as they participate in social interaction with others. In teaching 6th grade, I have found that there is a sudden need for students to have social inter-action. In order to "control" the constant need to interact with one another, I find it necessary to do more group centered work. The different types of applications available through technology allow me to direct students both within the walls of the classroom and in group projects outside the classroom.
ReplyDeleteMatt,
ReplyDeleteI am a huge fan of Vygotsky and his social interaction theory. I concur with you that educators should incorporate technology that requires social interaction. I believe that Lev Vygotsky would also insist that teachers incorporate his theory of ZPD or Zone of Proximal Development which would require them to introduce students to the technology and then gradually step back and let students play a more active role in their learning.
As written earlier, I am a huge fan of Vygotsky and totally agree with you that his theory of social interaction aligns itself with assignments that incorporate collaborative online efforts.