Focus Question: Discuss how technology promotes critical thinking and problem solving.
Chapter 3 as a whole discusses how technology makes unique, powerful, and transformative learning possible in K–12 schools. By using technology, teachers create opportunities for students to think critically and solve problems in many ways that weren't possible before. Technology introduces students to alternative ways of thinking and acting. For example people no long have to search through articles and books to find an answer and they instead turn to the internet and digital books and magazines. Writing is also different because portable devices create multiple ways to express ideas using voice, fingers, and keyboards.
In addition, online learning environments, including educational games and interactive simulations, also help to develop a students talent as problem solver and critical thinker. In an online learning game environment, there are said to be three characteristics of problem solving. First, students use computers to do what they cannot easily do on paper. Second, students encounter types of problems that occur in the real world or problems of personal interest to them. Third, students integrate knowledge of technology with academic content. Thus the use of technology helps students think like problem solvers. Feedback is also said to promote increased success for students and is shown more and easier with the use of technology.
Tech tool: Web Resources and Apps for Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
This chapters tech tool is a list of websites and apps that aid in critical thinking and problem solving. They include web based games, tutorials, simulations, quizzes, interviews, activities and more. The apps include math, physics and reading games that teach students while they play.
Summary:
Teachers and schools organize teaching and learning around four learning theories including behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and constructionism. Computers and the internet and other technologies used creatively by teachers can change how teaching and learning are conducted in K–12 schools in a positive way. Online resources (games, simulations, tutorials, articles) and the use of technology promotes problem solving and critical thinking, creativity and understanding. And rapid feedback from computers and other technologies support students’ curiosity and desire to learn on their own without need for constant teacher direction.
I have never been the most tech savy person but I can say that technology has definitely positively affected my education. The internet can quickly find an answer to any question and support to any topic. Games have helped my critical thinking and I can still recall online games I played in elementary school that interested me as well as taught me lasting skills. Any kind of technology I've came across has been beneficial in one way or another, and I can't wait to see what they come up with next.
(Source: Textbook)
Fun to read that you can still relate to the online games in elementary school - that definitely shows an impact! :) There is probably some connection between what we currently remember about the past and how significant it was...wondering how we can translate that to learning a bit more. :)
ReplyDeleteYou will need to spell out your resource(s) for future posts as the posts are individual URLs and don't necessarily relate back to each other. Also, try to replace some of the summarization of facts with increased reflective writing discussing how you relate to the facts, questions you may have, etc.