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"Technology is most
importantly about thinking: communicating,
inquiring, decision making and problem solving.
It
provides us with
techniques and processes to think differently, to solve and resolve
problems by using strategies that are “out of the box,” to design
new
products
or ideas, and to make informed, defensible decisions.
In addition to
other thinking processes, technology includes:
•
gathering
and identifying information
•
classifying
and organizing
•
summarizing
and synthesizing
•
analyzing
and evaluating
• speculating
and predicting.
The
Information and Communication
Technology Interim Program of Studies, Alberta June 1998
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The
ICT, Information and Communications Technology Program of Studies includes many concepts that,
although necessary for the integration of technology, are already familiar to us and are
fundamental to many other areas of learning as well. These concepts are concerned with the
development of critical thinking, and they include:
- ethical use of resources, copyright,
- balancing the right to information
with the right to personal privacy,
- citing resources and modeling responsible behavior
- working collaboratively, demonstrating courtesy, using appropriate
etiquette
- assessing authenticity of resources,
- discerning how visual presentation
can influence perception and manipulate intent
- practicing ergonomics and safety
- seeking a variety of resources, and alternative viewpoints
- considering the validity, accuracy and relevance of data for the purposes
used
- planning projects, developing questions, managing time
- developing critical thinking: questioning, accessing, selecting,
retrieving, sharing, comparing, classifying, sorting, organizing, designing, creating,
evaluating
- using jot notes, point form, or retelling; drawing conclusions, making
predictions, and summarizing
- using graphic organizers: flow charting, graphing, webbing, mind-mapping
- extending the scope of the project beyond the classroom
These are the skills that will enable our students to become discerning
consumers of information, effective problem solvers and informed decision-makers for the
future. These skills were always necessary and relevant educational skills.
However, they take on an even greater significance, as our students become media
consumers. Without these skills technology would not enhance education. It would simply
give it a superficial (albeit attractive) veneer.
If you are looking for further information about integrating technology,
or developing critical or creative thinking skills in your classroom then Jamie
McKenzie’s FNO -From Now On -The Educational Technology Journal is the
place to go. URL:
http://fno.org/fnoindex.html.
Jamie McKenzie does not just jump on the technology bandwagon; he
examines highly valid issues, and has produced a large variety of very practical articles
intended to help teachers, librarians and administrators with the integration of
technology into the school environment. This site contains several dozen highly relevant
and easy to read articles. However, you might want to begin with these.
Useful links for Developing
Critical Thinking
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