Definition
Social Cognitive Theory postulates that individuals learn by engaging in social interactions. Knowledge is heavily influenced by dynamic social environments and prior experiences may shape how a learner may interact within that context.
Learning Activity
The objective of the learning activity will be for learners to identify Adobe Photoshop's 16 basic tools and their corresponding functions. The tools to be identified are as follows: Magic Wand Tool, Move Tool, Marquee Tools, Lasso Tools, Quick Selection Tool, Fill Tool, Crop Tool, Object Selection Tool, Eyedropper Tool, Brush Tool and Eraser Tool, Magic Eraser Tool, Clone Stamp Tool, Healing Brush Tool, Dodge Tool, Burn Tool, Hand Tool, and Zoom Tool.
For this learning activity, learners will be divided into small groups of 3. Each group will be given a photo and a corresponding task that limits the type of tools they will use. In other words, each group will specialize in a certain set of tools. They will then have to complete their assigned task using those tools. Throughout this process, group members will be expected to exchange ideas and collaborate with each other to meet a common goal. This aligns with the concept of reciprocal determinism, where learners are able to bounce ideas off of each other and learn from them.
Once each group has accomplished their task, they will be asked to present their approach to the entire class given the tools they were provided. Observers will be allowed to ask questions at the end of each presentation. The activity will then shift over where each group will be given another group's task and allotted tool sets. They will be expected to recall information from the presentations and will be encouraged to ask clarification questions to the previous group that accomplished the task. The learning objective here is to provide an avenue for observational learning and subsequently promote self-efficacy.
For this learning activity, learners will be divided into small groups of 3. Each group will be given a photo and a corresponding task that limits the type of tools they will use. In other words, each group will specialize in a certain set of tools. They will then have to complete their assigned task using those tools. Throughout this process, group members will be expected to exchange ideas and collaborate with each other to meet a common goal. This aligns with the concept of reciprocal determinism, where learners are able to bounce ideas off of each other and learn from them.
Once each group has accomplished their task, they will be asked to present their approach to the entire class given the tools they were provided. Observers will be allowed to ask questions at the end of each presentation. The activity will then shift over where each group will be given another group's task and allotted tool sets. They will be expected to recall information from the presentations and will be encouraged to ask clarification questions to the previous group that accomplished the task. The learning objective here is to provide an avenue for observational learning and subsequently promote self-efficacy.
Other Learning Activities
Outside of the digital arts, I have a keen interest in working within international development. Here is one example in which I may apply this learning theory related to that field:
Generating trust with the local community (modeling): When being placed in a local community to promote development, volunteers and staff often have difficulty gaining the trust of the community members. By engaging in field work alongside the locals, the volunteers and staff have an opportunity to build relationships and actively demonstrate proper techniques.
Generating trust with the local community (modeling): When being placed in a local community to promote development, volunteers and staff often have difficulty gaining the trust of the community members. By engaging in field work alongside the locals, the volunteers and staff have an opportunity to build relationships and actively demonstrate proper techniques.