3 Tips for Helping Students Critically Think with Technology
The act of thinking critically is necessary when using technology. This is especially important while in the classroom. Students should reflect upon their technology choices and have the ability to explain those choices. As a result, critical thinking heightens student decision-making and reasoning.
Tip 1. Prompt students to think about each technology tool they might use to complete a given task.
To help visually showcase this exercise, Venn Diagrams can be used to separate the commonalities and differences between technology tools. Students can then make informed decisions about the most appropriate tool(s) to best meet their needs. Additionally, this exercise provides students with a way to articulate their decisions.
Tip 2. Prompt students to evaluate the best uses of technologies in any given scenario.
Students should be guided to critically think about which technology is best for completing the task. For example, you might ask students to compare and contrast two technologies in relation to one task. In this scenario, the activity ensures students are better equipped to solve hypothetical and real-world problems by using technology both effectively and efficiently.
Tip 3. Prompt students to reflect on and discuss the technologies they frequently use and how they use them.
The act of reflection builds a greater understanding of technology’s role in fictional and real-life narratives. For example, how might a text stay the same or change if technology were present or taken away? Thinking critically about technology use should be a collaborative discussion among students.
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