Blog Assignment #14

How can teachers help students develop critical thinking skills, in addition to technological literacy, to prepare them for success in our Post-Modern, technologically advanced world?

 

“With school turning out more runners, jumpers, racers, tinkerers, grabbers, snatchers, fliers, and swimmers instead of examiners, critics, knowers, and imaginative creators, the word 'intellectual,' of course, became the swear word it deserved to be.” - Ray Bradbury (Fahrenheit 451)

Ray Bradbury's bleak vision of a world where books are burned by the masses may have been a little overstretched in comparison to reality. Still, the image of books being burned and regarded as useless paints a powerful image in one's head and draws an interesting parallel to today's society in which paper books are coming to be considered more and more obsolete. More so, society's shift to prefer students to study Mathematics and Science to achieve capital gain, rather than Humanities subjects which inspire critical thinking leads us to question what is the role of critical thinking in modern society and how should our students be prepared to fit that role. With technology's role being so prevalent in society, developing critical thinking skills in students is more important than ever. Students should be inspired to develop critical thinking skills by implementing and using technology together, thus preparing them not only for achieving in the world around them, but for understanding it as well.

 

Critical thinking is at the basis of all Human intellectual development. If Humankind ceases to critically think, it ceases to create. Some argue that focusing on Math and Science subjects, instead of Humanities will better prepare students for success in the modern world. This view is not completely unfounded, but students will be missing a major part of their intellectual development if they do not learn to critically think, read, and write. After all, it was man's ability to creatively and critically think that designed Apple products, understood the Laws of Physics, and came up with internet programs such as Google.

 

Technology is a tool that students should use to develop critical thinking skills. After all, what better way to analyze current events, literature, and scientific developments than with Laptops, iPads, and Smart Phones? What could be a better way to collaborate and share ideas than Google Drive? Essays and articles can be written and shared within minutes of their finding or writing. Technology shouldn't push critical thinking aside; it should inspire it.

 

 

The answer lies in developing projects that encourage critical thinking, but use technology. Both technology and critical thinking are skills that are necessary for success in our modern world. By encouraging that they be used together in the classroom, teachers will be preparing students for using the two together for the rest of their lives. Students should be encouraged to use relevant technological media and programs for making videos, sharing ideas, and networking. This will not only give them practical experience using technology, but also make their ideas come to life and give them a basis for critically thinking.

 

By incorporating projects that encourage critical thinking, but use technology, students will not only be prepared for success in our modern world, but also be able to understand and share ideas in it. Some people argue technology is making critical thinking obsolete. I think it's just pushing it a step further.