Learning With Technology: Using Computers as Cognitive Tools
I learned from this article that students should use computers in order to develop their abilities to think, rather than just collecting information and keeping a diary on a blog because computers' roll is not only giving much information but also encouraging students to think and learn with their heads.
However, in Japan, it is said that penetration of computers is later than the US by approximately two decades, much less using in class. Surprisingly, there are still some students who cannot touch-type and have trouble even browsing websites. On the other hand, some students make blogs and their own websites by themselves. Because each student's level of using computer is various, we teachers need to teach how to use computers from scratch when we use computers in class. Also, there are quite a few teachers who are familiar with computers. Therefore, students tend to just collect information, browsing websites in class. Even if some students' making blogs is a surprise for me because I'm a poor computer user, they seem to be just keeping diaries. They can do it on paper too.
In short," They do not think!" The Japanese is especially not good at critical thinking because we have been taught knowledge-based education for a long long time due to competitive college entrance examination. Then I hope using computers as cognitive tools in class will be a big chance for students to become aware of critical thinking and develop the ability for their future. To realize it, I believe we teachers need to develop our computer skills enough to encourage students to learn effectively.