Journal 9 - "Is Technology Killing Critical Thinking Skills?"

Thompson, A, & Crompton, H. (2010). Is technology killing critical thinking skills?. Learning & Leading with Technology, 38(1),

The argument for technology killing critical thinking skills was by Alfred Thompson. Thompson argues that technology is a tool and not a solution to substituting writing your ideas down on paper and collaborating with a group. Word processing systems catch grammatical and spelling error allowing students to continue these errors instead of being able to catch them. Also, there are so many firewalls up at schools leaving a lack of effective means to show them how to use resources effectively.

Helen Crompton argues against Thompson's points stating that the internet allows for students to think beyond the four walls of the classroom. Teachers should be empowering students to utilize tools such as blogger and wiki, which can be done by integrating technology into the curriculum.

Q1:How can teachers help their students use critical thinking while using the internet.

A1:Teachers can provide resources for students to research on the internet regarding a topic that fits in with their lesson plan. Each student can then find a fun fact about that topic and share it with the class and what they learned about it. Not only are you integrating technology you are also helping them verbally collaborate with their classmates.

Q2:Should school districts open up firewalls to increase student internet traffic?

A1:Yes, this is a huge issue when it comes to resources available to students. You can't teach effective web safety without building trust with your students. There is more excitement in wanting what you can't have but if you can have it you don't want it.