Post #4: Technology Spotlight

In my definition of Innovation, it is defined as "change that creates value". Through examining and thinking critically about problems, our students can identify issues and ways to solve them, or ways to improve what already exists. This ability to apply knowledge to new situations is a key sign of true learning. This post will highlight 3 categories of technological tools that can promote critical thinking in students. I will outline a general category, list some specific apps and explain why I value that tool in specific.

1. Mindmapping 

Using virtual mind mapping tools is an effective way for students to visually lay out their ideas, make connections and formulate inquiring questions. They can use mind maps as a more insightful note taking tool, while also being able to collaborate with other students in class or for group projects. Mind mapping allows students to practice the skill of breaking down large concepts into smaller chunks as well as connecting various topics to one another. This, in turn, practices the skill of analyzing and summarizing text. Furthermore, mind maps can be used as a progress tracking tool or portfolio, where students can continuously update and display their processes, thought-provoking questions and evidence of learning.

Some examples of mind mapping tools are: 

-Mind Meister

-LucidChart

-Mindomo 

-Popplet








2. Collaborative processing - Google Suite

Out of every tech tool , the Google Suite is without a doubt the one that I use most and have my students learn the most frequently. The Google Suite takes regular word processing software a step further by adding a collaborative element, and this is what makes it so invaluable compared to paper and pencils or even its non-collaborative relatives such as Microsoft Office. Through Google Docs, students can brainstorm information and write together. With Google Slides, they can showcase their learning, create oral presentations and highlight research. Through Forms, they can create surveys and create or complete quizzes. Through the Classroom, they can view, learn and turn in assignments posted by their teachers, as well as interact with their peers through the stream. I am only barely brushing the surface of all that Google Suites can offer with the examples above, but the possibilities are truly endless. If I had to choose one Tech Tool for students to learn, it would definitely be the Google Suite.

The Google Suite apps include:

-Gmail

-Drive

-Docs

-Sheets

-Forms

-Calendar

-Google+

-Sites

-Hangouts

-Keep




3.Coding

Today, coding is involved in most aspects of our lives. From our smartphones to our home thermostats, our world is being run by code. If the curriculum that we teach exists in order for our students to better understand our world, then incorporating computer programming should be a given. According to Missio, "[c]omputational thinking allows preschoolers to grasp concepts like algorithms, recursion and heuristics—even if they don’t understand the terms, they’ll learn the basic concepts." (2015). In a way that we may not fully understand yet, being technologically literate and comfortable with the world of coding will not just be an asset for our generation of students, but a necessity. Luckily, there are a variety of websites and apps that make coding fun and easy to learn for kids.

Here are a few:

-Code.org

-Hourofcode.com

-Code Monster

-Scratch



References

Missio, E. (2015). Why kids should learn to code (and how to get them started). CBC parents. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/parents/learning/view/why-kids-should-learn-to-code-and-how-to-get-them-started

Cole, P. (2016). 10 Fun Web Apps, Games, for Teaching Critical Thinking Skills. Emerging Ed Tech. Retrieved from https://www.emergingedtech.com/2016/06/10-technology-tools-resources-teach-critical-thinking-skills/.


Comments

  1. Carlo IaconoFebruary 5, 2021 at 8:01 AM

    Hey Jen,
    These are all great tools to promote critical thinking!
    Your points on coding and the ability to code being a necessity is spot on. Coding is not only such a useful skill as you mentioned but really provides students with the opportunity to engage in critical thinking and higher level thinking. " I apply this instruction, what will happen?"

    Collaboration is a great way to engage in the inquiry process. Allowing students to share ideas exchange ideas is something that will help them learn important skills and see patterns and realize idea that they may have missed. Furthermore, the tools you have provided incorporates not only collaboration but collaboration through he use of technology which is great! This is extremely important given the circumstances that we are in now.

    Thanks for the great Post!

    Carlo

    ReplyDelete
  2. JanFebruary 6, 2021 at 2:30 PM

    Hi Jen,
    Your post felt especially relevant for me, since I have used all three categories of tools you discuss. I had never encountered or used a digital mind mapping tool before that course, but the Collaborative Inquiry class (PME 801) was opened my eyes the world of digital mind-mapping tools. Now I have personal ambitions ranging from creating a digital family tree with them to using them to help teach my students.
    While I agree that the Google Suite is hard to beat for collaboration, I would counter that the Microsoft Office family of apps, increasingly integrated through OneDrive, provide a valid competitor. Of course, I only know that because my district is on Office 365 due to easier FOIPPA compliance.
    Though my own knowledge of coding is uninspiring, I enjoyed using Code.org last year with my grade 8 students, and I will be using it next term with my grade six and seven students as part of a dedicated ADST course that I am co-designing for our remote program with my colleagues for future use.
    Thanks for sharing,
    Jan

    ReplyDelete

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