Technologies for Critical Thinking Development

The 21st century is driven by the knowledge revolution. The manufacturing-based economy of the 19th and early 20th centuries has given way to an economic model that values creativity and knowledge creation. The knowledge revolution challenges educational institutions at every level to harness the skills and knowledge required to utilize the latest technologies—Internet browsing, Web resources, social media, gaming and simulation technologies, and so on—to develop and enhance critical thinking skills. Critical thinking is defined as self-regulated cognitive activity that applies multiple sources of information—evidence, inference, systematic methods, and context. Instructors and instructional designers have embraced educational technologies as a way to engage learners in critical thinking processes. Educational technologies include (a) personal computing devices as well as the software and applications that make them connect with others and enhance productivity, (b) video and online games, (c) learning management systems, (d) social media, and more. This entry discusses how all of these technologies can promote critical thinking and student-centered learning.

Critical thinking emerged as a core construct of educational thought and reform starting in the early decades of the 20th century. John Dewey emphasized the importance of thinking as a distinct, vital, and teachable skill that serves not only the individual learner but also society as a whole. Edward Glaser identified five distinct actions that support the development of critical thinking: (1) recognition and definition of a problem, (2) data gathering and testing of assumptions about the problem, (3) development of possible explanations, (4) testing of one or more hypotheses and verification of outcomes, and (5) proposal of final conclusions. Richard Paul and Linda Elder built on this definition of critical thinking to determine the qualities of the critical thinker, emphasizing the notions of open mindedness and the process of continuous assessment of currently held assumptions, ideas, and expectations. In addition, the critical thinker exhibits effective communication skills, is intrinsically motivated and embraces standards of excellence, and is also a problem solver who rejects cultural biases related to race, gender, or ethnicity.