Critical thinking is defined as analyzing issues to form judgments. It promotes deeper learning by allowing students to think independently. Some key uses of critical thinking in technology include using web quests to think about projects in new ways, analyzing digital images more critically, and using social networking to spark discussions from different viewpoints. Examples provided are having students take on perspectives of historical leaders through web quests and creating creative math videos. Other uses mentioned are using QR codes, Vokis, blogs, Second Life, and various Web 2.0 tools to gain exposure to diverse views and experiences.

1. Critical Thinking
BY REBECCA KILVER, RUSSELL PARKS, AND ANTHONY LOVEDAY

2. Definition
oCritical thinking is analyzing an issue in order to
form a judgment. The use of critical thinking in
the classroom promotes deeper learning and
the formation of opinions. It lets students think
for themselves.

3. Importance
o Explore
o Experience
o Integration of Disciplines
oAll of the other pillars require students to think critically in
order to work. For instance, global studies requires the
students to think about things on a global scale rather than
locally

4. Some Uses in Technology
o ASSURE-Find what works & change what doesn’t
o21st Century Education-A pillar that the others can be
based on.
o WebQuest-Think of project in new way
o Digital Imaging-Better analyze images
o Social Networking-Making a group for the class can lead to
discussions which will get students thinking from different
view points outside of the classroom.

5. Example
In a lesson in a high school history class, students are being taught about different leaders in the
World War II era. The students are assigned a leader and given a web quest pertaining to the
leader, which leads to an assignment in which the students write a journal from that leader’s
point of view.
Students in a math class are required to make a video that demonstrates how to solve an
equation, but must do so in a creative way.

6. Other Uses in Technology
oQR’s & Voki- Put life experiences in the classroom (i.e. make
Vokie talk like real person talking about real events; not in actual
presentation, but thought I would elaborate for you guys)
o Blogs- Able to defend own beliefs in public setting and discuss
class subjects outside of the classroom.
o Secondlife- Learn more about different perspectives and
experience “life” in classroom
oWeb 2.0- Analyze content to find best fit for project

7. Last Uses of Critical Thinking
o YouTube & Storytelling- Explore diverse points of view
o Media & Materials- Ability to present new information
and debate.
o Podcasts- Allows student to learn about a different
perspective

8. Critical Thinking in Blogs
o Learn about other perspectives and cultures
o Interdisciplinary
o Defend beliefs
o Ability to discuss real life events