Lesson 2: Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills

The World Is Flat, by Friedman (2005), points out that the convergence of a digital world
with shifting global economic power has transformed education needs. Not only does society
need more education, but also the right education. We need to develop new constructs that teach
synthesis, higher-order thinking, and problem-solving skills. The ability to memorize is quickly
fading in our information rich society, where a Google search can return millions of references in
a matter of seconds. Society needs more synthesizers capable of filtering divergent sources into a
coherent, relevant whole, in addition to new pedagogies to test skill acquisition (Bedigian, 2006).

Technology is an agent of change, spurring our redefinition of time and space. In 1998,
for the first time in 50 years, young people's television viewing time declined. Television
viewing gave way to the Internet, video games, hand-held computers, pagers, cell phones,
wireless technologies, and personal digital assistants (PDAs) (Fleischman, 2006). As emerging
technologies rapidly become commonplace, how do we keep pace? One method of forecasting
the future is by predicting computing power advances.

Educational Software Types

With a varied assortment of educational software at hand, teachers are able to
individualize instruction to enrich or remediate as necessary for student success. A standards-
based curriculum ensures students' continued growth according to identified standards, along
with those strategies that will enable attainment of those outcomes. Teachers who understand
how software might best be integrated into a standards-based curriculum will need to be aware of
the different types of software that are available.

Drill-and-Practice/Instructional Game Software

In general, drill-and-practice software allows learners to encounter facts, relationships,
problems, and vocabulary that they have previously learned until the material is committed to
memory or until a particular skill has been refined. The best drill-and-practice software possesses
an interesting format that encourages repeated use by students, thus establishing the stimulus-
response association required for memorization of certain facts. Sequential learning tasks and
immediate feedback assist the student in the mastery of the skill. Drill-and-practice programs
utilize brief, effective feedback, either giving students another chance for incorrect answers or
giving positive, motivating reinforcement for correct responses. Students should be able to
control the rate of the program, taking as long as they need to answer a question, and they should
also have the ability to quit the program at any time and resume at the place they left off when
they return.

Integrated Learning Systems

Category Description. Integrated learning systems (ILSs) have offered schools comprehensive
instructional and management features for decades. Largely traditional in methodology, the
expensive ILSs are networked software compilations that address objectives in the core
curriculum areas. Pretests, instruction, practice, and posttests are designed to be aligned with
national or district curriculum goals. Students typically work independently, and their progres is
tracked and reported automatically. When they have mastered a particular set of objectives, they
advance to the next section. Teachers can monitor students' performance by examining reports
printed out by the system and can choose to supplement the electronic instruction as necessary.
Practical Integration. The adoption of an ILS often makes the transition to using technology
easier for schools because the curriculum is completely prepared. This packaged approach,
however, may not always allow for easy integration into other outside curriculum. The software
systems are generally intended to stand alone as the sole source of instruction. The systems
follow a typically behaviorist approach to learning, funneling all students through a linear
presentation of the curriculum.

The easy mistake many schools make is assuming that when technology is brought into
their classrooms, these curriculum delivery systems will adequately replace their teachers.
Another misconception is that the introduction of ILSs satisfactorily prepares students with
technology skills. Just because students access lessons or assessments using the computer does
not mean they are gaining important communication, information management, and problem-
solving skills that broader technology use can help to develop.

Care must be taken to ensure that the instructional format and content provide the best
learning opportunity for each student. Current beliefs about the variety of learning styles found
in any group of students have led to the understanding that any one method will likely not be
sufficiently individualized to be successful. The human teacher is needed to orchestrate ILS use
so that the most instructional benefit can be derived by each student. If your school has adopted
an ILS, be prepared to assume the role of an instructional facilitator. Be aware of the content and
format of the software so as to anticipate student needs and questions. Rather than relying solely
on the automatic records of each student's progress, Investigate further to be sure that students
are getting the instruction they need.

Problem-Solving Software
Category Description. Problem-solving software requires students to apply higher order
strategies and synthesize knowledge from multiple curricular areas in order to solve problems.
Students can test hypotheses, learn from mistakes, and refine skills as they gain mastery of
problem-solving techniques. Software of this type can provide practice in solving problems by
modeling general critical thinking steps, by focusing on specific subject-area issues, or by
creating an open environment in which students can discover their own strategies. Whatever the
method, problem-solving software affords the user more freedom than does drill-and-practice or
tutorial software, but may or may not present the real-world context that characterizes simulation
software.

Practical Integration. Effective problem solving is built by continuous practice and experience
in a variety of meaningful situations. This understanding must be clear in teachers' minds as they
plan a place for problem-solving software in the daily workings of a classroom. No software can
be used as the sole tool for developing students' critical thinking abilities. Instead, software
should be seen as one effective component in a repertoire of activities that promote the
acquisition of higher-order thinking skills.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a crucial role in developing students'
critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Integrating ICT into education provides students
with tools and resources that enhance their cognitive abilities and prepare them for the challenges
of the modern world. ICT utilization in education provides a dynamic and interactive learning
environment that promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It empowers students to
analyze information, collaborate effectively, and apply their knowledge to real-world situations,
preparing them for the challenges they will face in their future endeavors. Here are several ways
in which ICT utilization contributes to the development of critical thinking and problem-solving
skills:

1. Access to Information:
o ICT provides students with instant access to a vast amount of information from
various sources. This encourages them to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize
information, fostering critical thinking skills.
o Students learn to discern the credibility and reliability of online sources,
promoting information literacy.
2. Collaborative Learning:
o Collaborative learning through ICT encourages the exchange of diverse
perspectives, promoting critical thinking and exposing students to different
problem-solving approaches.
3. Simulation and Modeling:
o ICT allows for the creation of simulations and models that simulate real-world
scenarios. Students can experiment with these models, observe outcomes, and
analyze the results.
o Simulation-based learning helps students apply theoretical knowledge to practical
situations, enhancing problem-solving skills.
4. Interactive Learning Platforms:
o Educational software and interactive learning platforms engage students in a
dynamic learning process. These tools often present challenges and puzzles that
require critical thinking to solve.
o Gamification elements in educational software make learning more enjoyable
while stimulating problem-solving abilities.
5. Real-World Problem Solving:
o ICT enables students to tackle real-world problems through project-based
learning. This approach requires critical thinking as students analyze issues,
identify solutions, and implement strategies.
o Exposure to authentic problems helps students develop problem-solving skills
applicable in various contexts.

Here are some ICT tools and platforms that can be effective in fostering these skills:

1. Online Discussion Forums:

o Discussion Boards (e.g., Moodle, Blackboard): Forums encourage students to
engage in critical discussions, share perspectives, and respond to each other's
ideas, promoting critical thinking through interaction and debate.
o
2. Mind Mapping Tools:
o MindMeister, XMind, or Coggle: These tools help students visually organize
and connect ideas. Mind mapping enhances critical thinking by encouraging
students to see relationships between concepts and synthesize information.
o
3. Coding and Programming Platforms:
o Scratch, Code.org, or Python platforms: Learning to code not only improves
problem-solving skills but also fosters logical thinking. Coding projects often
require students to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable tasks.
 4. Simulation Software:
o PhET Interactive Simulations: These interactive simulations cover various
science and math concepts, allowing students to experiment with virtual scenarios
and develop problem-solving skills in a controlled environment.
o
5. Educational Games:
o Kahoot!, Quizizz, or educational game apps: Gamified learning can engage
students in problem-solving activities while making the learning process
enjoyable. These tools often present challenges and puzzles that require critical
thinking to solve.
o
6. Online Research Databases:
o Google Scholar, JSTOR, or other academic databases: Encourage students to
conduct research, evaluate sources, and critically analyze information. This
enhances their ability to discern reliable information and think critically about the
content they encounter.
o
7. Project Management Tools:
o Trello, Asana, or Microsoft Planner: These tools help students organize and
manage projects. Through planning, prioritizing, and tracking progress, students
develop problem-solving skills in a practical context.
o
8. Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR):
o Google Expeditions, Oculus Education: AR and VR can immerse students in
realistic scenarios, providing a hands-on experience that enhances critical thinking
and problem-solving abilities.
o
9. Online Quizzing and Assessment Tools:
o Socrative, Quizlet, or Formative: These tools can be used for formative
assessments, encouraging students to think critically about the content and apply
their knowledge in various ways.

It's crucial for educators to integrate these tools thoughtfully into their teaching methods,
ensuring that they align with the learning objectives and promote active engagement and critical
thinking among students.