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)
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.
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
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)
Bloom’s Taxonomy
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.
http://www.humboldt.edu/~tha1/bloomtax.html
•Analyze
•Separate
•Order
•Explain
•Connect
•Classify
•Arrange
•Divide
•Compare
•Select
•Infer
Analysis
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.
Bloom’s Taxonomy
Synthesis asks the
student to perform
original and creative
thinking.
http://www.humboldt.edu/~tha1/bloomtax.html
•Predict
•Produce
•Write
•Design
•Develop
•Synthesize
•Construct
•How can we improve
•What would happen if
•Can you devise
•How can we solve
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.
Assignment:
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…
Synthesis
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.
Bloom’s Taxonomy
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.
http://www.humboldt.edu/~tha1/bloomtax.html
•Assess
•Decide
•Rank
•Measure
•Recommend
•Convince
•Judge
•Explain
•Discriminate
•Support
•Conclude
•Summarize
Evaluation
• 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.
http://intech4all.com/techCARS.htm
Evaluation
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.
http://baker.typepad.com/estes/
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.
The Next Phase
Develop complex thinking, performance based activities
• Simulation
– Web based
• Gaming software
• Mind mapping
– Inspiration
– Kidspiration
• Portfolios
– PowerPoint
– Web based
• Online
Communications
– Blogging
– Email
Essential Elements
Lessons should be:
• Real-world, relevant
• Address Georgia Performance Standards.
• Engages students