Blog Entry 6: Emerging Technology that Supports Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

The main purpose for educating our students is to prepare them with the tools to suceed in the real world.  These tools include critical thinking skills, problem sovling skills, communication skills, etc.  It is important that teachers do not get too caught up with specific curriculum, but use the curriculum to help students build these skills.  Technology is a great tool that can promote critical thinking skills.  However, if technology is not used properly, students will not gain anything from using it.  Educators must take time to create activities that promote higher level thinking skills, instead of activities that just call on memorization.  Asking students to simply type up a paper is no different then asking them to write it and would not be considered supporting critical thinking.  However, there are many internet tools that can be used to support these skills.  For instance, blogs are great tools, if used correctly, for promoting communication skills and critical thinking skills.  As teachers, we must be sure to not give the students too many guidelines, but rather given them an activity and see where their minds take them.  Our students are much more capable and creative than we give them credit for.  When we give them too many guidelines, we hold them back from reaching their full potential.