How Can Technology Improve Higher Order Thinking Skills?

Technology’s Challenge

“In spite of there being many thousands of computers, they are mainly used as a supplementary learning tool rather than as a primary learning tool.” (S. Stoney, R. Oliver 1999)

“In spite of there being many thousands of computers, they are mainly used as a supplementary learning tool rather than as a primary learning tool.” (S. Stoney, R. Oliver 1999)

Technology’s Role

Technology is a great tool that allows teachers to take a great lessons and get students interested through interactive and multimedia experiences.

Technology is a great tool that allows teachers to take a great lessons and get students interested through interactive and multimedia experiences.

Research• 8th graders whose teachers focused on

computer simulations and applications performed up to a half grade better than those whose teachers used computers for drill and practice.

• 4th graders whose teachers used computers mainly for "math/learning games" scored higher than those who didn't.

Wenglinsky

• 8th graders whose teachers focused on computer simulations and applications performed up to a half grade better than those whose teachers used computers for drill and practice.

• 4th graders whose teachers used computers mainly for "math/learning games" scored higher than those who didn't.

Wenglinsky

Why is Higher Order Thinking Skills Important?

Educators must now use new ways to teach students how to analyze, compare similarities and differences, and gather information to make informed decisions. “As computers become more and more integrated into education activities, there is a need to consider not only the unique opportunities they bring to learning and learners, but also the benefits that may be derived from their use.” (S. Stoney, R. Oliver 1999)

Educators must now use new ways to teach students how to analyze, compare similarities and differences, and gather information to make informed decisions. “As computers become more and more integrated into education activities, there is a need to consider not only the unique opportunities they bring to learning and learners, but also the benefits that may be derived from their use.” (S. Stoney, R. Oliver 1999)

Bloom’s TaxonomyIn order to promote Higher Order Thinking Skills, we need to focus on the top three tiers of Bloom’s Taxonomy: Analysis, Synthesis and Evaluation

In order to promote Higher Order Thinking Skills, we need to focus on the top three tiers of Bloom’s Taxonomy: Analysis, Synthesis and Evaluation

Bloom’s Taxonomy

Analysis requires students to think critically and in depth.

Analysis requires students to think critically and in depth.

•Analyze•Separate•Order•Explain•Connect•Classify•Arrange•Divide•Compare•Select•Infer

http://www.humboldt.edu/~tha1/bloomtax.html

AnalysisStudents often group and order in the classroom. Intel has recently provided educators with a free tool to allow students to do this online. The teacher sets up the lesson and students classify or prioritize a list. Students can compare what other groups or students answered.

Students often group and order in the classroom. Intel has recently provided educators with a free tool to allow students to do this online. The teacher sets up the lesson and students classify or prioritize a list. Students can compare what other groups or students answered.

http://www.intel.com/education/tools/index.htm

Analysis• Many teachers are familiar

with software such as Inspiration and Kidspiration.

• These tools make great mind mapping tools. Students can analyze a character or plot in a story, or connect similarities and differences in a Venn Diagram.

• Many teachers are familiar with software such as Inspiration and Kidspiration.

• These tools make great mind mapping tools. Students can analyze a character or plot in a story, or connect similarities and differences in a Venn Diagram.

Bloom’s Taxonomy

Synthesis asks the student to perform original and creative thinking.

Synthesis asks the student to perform original and creative thinking.

•Predict•Produce•Write•Design•Develop•Synthesize•Construct•How can we improve•What would happen if•Can you devise•How can we solve

http://www.humboldt.edu/~tha1/bloomtax.html

Synthesis

Gives the student freedom. Allowing the student to produce a product, but allowing the student choice…both teacher and student will be pleased with the outcome.

Gives the student freedom. Allowing the student to produce a product, but allowing the student choice…both teacher and student will be pleased with the outcome.

You have been working on poetry in class. You want the students to create an original poem. You could have them write it with pen and paper…OR you can allow them to become creative…

You have been working on poetry in class. You want the students to create an original poem. You could have them write it with pen and paper…OR you can allow them to become creative…

Assignment:

Synthesis

Students could visit a site and create the poem online with virtual magnets.

Students could visit a site and create the poem online with virtual magnets.

http://www.magneticpoetry.com/kidspoetry/playonline.cfm

Synthesis

Students could create their poem in a drawing software. Giving them creative freedom. Giving you the outcome you seek.

Students could create their poem in a drawing software. Giving them creative freedom. Giving you the outcome you seek.

Evaluation does not have a single Correct answer. It requires the student to judge the merit of an idea, a solution to a problem, or a work.

Evaluation does not have a single Correct answer. It requires the student to judge the merit of an idea, a solution to a problem, or a work.

Bloom’s Taxonomy •Assess•Decide•Rank•Measure•Recommend•Convince•Judge•Explain•Discriminate•Support•Conclude•Summarize

http://www.humboldt.edu/~tha1/bloomtax.html

Evaluation

http://intech4all.com/techCARS.htm

• WebQuests are a great way for students to use the skill of Evaluation.

• In this WebQuest, students compared websites to evaluate which websites were accurate and which websites were false.

• WebQuests are a great way for students to use the skill of Evaluation.

• In this WebQuest, students compared websites to evaluate which websites were accurate and which websites were false.

Evaluation

http://baker.typepad.com/estes/

Blogging is a great way to have your students evaluate.

Students can share:• Thoughts about a topic • What is happening in class

The teacher can post a topic and students can respond.

Students should be taught blogging etiquette.

Blogging is a great way to have your students evaluate.

Students can share:• Thoughts about a topic • What is happening in class

The teacher can post a topic and students can respond.

Students should be taught blogging etiquette.

What Can We Do?

• High performance standards should be set for all students. Teachers are encouraged to use hands on collaboration and active learning.

• National Staff Development Council (NSDC): Schools should provide teachers with abundant opportunities to become fluent in using technology.

• Teachers need to develop student higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills.

• High performance standards should be set for all students. Teachers are encouraged to use hands on collaboration and active learning.

• National Staff Development Council (NSDC): Schools should provide teachers with abundant opportunities to become fluent in using technology.

• Teachers need to develop student higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills.

The Next Phase

• Simulation– Web based

• Gaming software • Mind mapping

– Inspiration– Kidspiration

• Simulation– Web based

• Gaming software • Mind mapping

– Inspiration– Kidspiration

• Portfolios– PowerPoint– Web based

• Online Communications– Blogging– Email

• Portfolios– PowerPoint– Web based

• Online Communications– Blogging– Email

Develop complex thinking, performance based activities

Essential Elements

Lessons should be:• Real-world, relevant • Address Georgia Performance Standards.• Engages students

Lessons should be:• Real-world, relevant • Address Georgia Performance Standards.• Engages students