Journal 8 (NETS 1-5)

Thompson, A, & Crompton, H. (2010, August). Point/counterpoint is technology killing critical thinking?. Leading and Learning, 38(1), Retrieved from http://www.iste-community.org/group/landl/forum/topics/is-technology-killing-critical

Point/counterpoint is technology killing critical thinking. Iste Leading and Learning, 38(1), Retrieved from http://www.iste-community.org/group/landl/forum/topics/is-technology-killing-critical

Summary: Alfred Thompson believes technology has been introduced to students as a device to make work easier. For example, word processor eliminates spell check. While PowerPoint’s has taken the creativity of poster boards. Many sites which can be used as critical thinking tools are blocked. In addition, schools do not teach 'real' computer science according to Thompson. In contrast, Helen Crompton believes technology supports critical thinking skills. However, it is the way teachers apply these tools which can determines whether it supports critical thinking skills. With class blogs students are able to view and evaluate each other’s work. Crompton believes students will place extra time and thought into their work knowing the public can view.

Question 1: Do you believe digital tools bring creativity to the classroom?
I also believe technology can bring creativity to the classroom if applied properly. In a classroom observation I conducted, a teacher incorporated her lab time working on a word processor. She spent an entire class period having the students type their hand written papers onto a word document. However if the teacher would have created a class blog this would have added another aspect to the project. Where her students can view and evaluate each other’s work.

Question 2: How would you as a teacher incorporate technology tools to enhance creativity?
Crompton states, "critical thinking is the ability to carefully evaluate and think about the information presented to us" (Thompson, & Crompton, 2010). Many digitals tools enable critical thinking skills. Digital tools such as Blogs, PLN, Diigo all contribute to critical thinking. When students observe classmates blogs they are reading and evaluating each other’s work. Blogs also allow students to be creative with the pages and materials presented. If students organize a PLN of their own they are able to voice their opinions and take learning in their own hands.