Theories of Critical Thinking by Patrick Johnson

Theories of Critical Thinking 

Post by Patrick Johnson 

6/6/26 

Many people from outside the education world may not understand many of the problems that educators face. One of the problems that educators have is an ever evolving and growing digital landscape. This flowing landscape can be looked at as overwhelming. However, many educators are looking at technology with an exciting, positive outlook: “The real transformation of technology and the Web is that it creates a freedom to learn and a freedom to contribute and participate on a global scale that didn’t exist even a decade ago.” (Fullan, M. & Langworthy, M. (2014, pg. 2).  

Fullan and Langworthy (2014) wrote “At the heart of most teachers’ motivation is the desire to ignite learning in others, to kindle curiosity and creativity and to light up the potential of the human mind (pg. 10).  Technology is moving its way to the forefront of classrooms, helping to ignite passions in students in those classrooms. Fullan and Langworthy (2014) wrote “Students today want to be actively engaged, they want to determine the path of their own learning, chart their own learning journeys. Technology tools have exploded the way they interact with the world around them, and it’s changed how they want to be in the classroom” (pg. 11). As an educator, I need to focus on growing both my understanding of new, emerging technologies AND my passion for technology around us.  

One of the side effects of increasing technology in school is the habit of systems purchasing technology without proper training and support. Hobbs (2011) said “Although investments in technology have increased significantly in recent years, simply purchasing the latest digital technologies does not necessarily lead to the acquisition of digital and media literacy competencies” (pg. 15). As a librarian, I can help in the training of my fellow teachers, as well as the organization of our technology on site. Educating my fellow teachers will help to make our school the best it can be! 

 

 

References:  

Fullan, M. & Langworthy, M. (2014). A rich seam: How new pedagogies find deep learning. London: Pearson. 

Hobbs, R. (2011). Empowering learners with digital and media literacy. Knowledge Quest, 39(5), 12-17. 

Huitt, W. (2011). Bloom et al.'s taxonomy of the cognitive domain. Educational Psychology Interactive. Valdosta, GA: Valdosta State University. 

Kuhn, M. S. (2008). Connecting depth and balance in class. Learning & Leading with Technology, 36(1), 18-21. 

Rogers, E. M. (1963). The adoption process II. Journal of Cooperative Extension, 1(2), 69-75.