Blog 6 Technology that Supports Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Part of using technology to promote critical thinking and problem solving demands that students select appropriate tools to pursue learning. NETS.S delineates specific aspects including planning, conducting, and managing projects while considering a variety of approaches and tools (Boss & Krauss, 2007, p. 184). These specifications are neither surprising nor unusual. After all, when my husband decided to replace soffits and gutter boards, he had to assess, plan, and select tools to complete the project. Not every tool in the garage (or the neighbor's) was appropriate. Certain steps had to be carried out in a certain order. Sometimes Ron had to reassess for best results. He learned as he worked. Likewise, classroom students analyzing and constructing intangible knowledge also need these critical thinking skills. Providing concrete examples (such as carpentry) enables some to see that neither carpentry nor technology tools alone or not used well do not accomplish goals, whereas skillful use of appropriate tools can accomplish fantastic results. I will require students to include in their project proposals specific details about technology that they plan to use and how they plan to use it so that I can redirect them if necessary. I also want to offer tools such as Inspiration and Gliffy that can help them to create spatially-oriented documents that represent their thoughts.