Article Assessment 3

Tools for the Mind

by Mary Burns



In her article, Tools for the Mind, author Mary Burns discusses the current use of computers in the majority of our classrooms during our present age. While she believes computers can be very valuable tools, she states they are not being used to their full instructional potential. In recent years, computers have become an aid for student learning, narrowing the focus of technology, at the expense of other learning "pillars." The reasons for this include training teachers in skills rather than how to best capitalize on computer use, school districts have not made appropriate accommodations or support, and classifying all software as instructionally equal. Many software programs do not support higher-order thinking skills, yet there are many programs that do and these are not utilized often enough or appropriately. Burns offers two suggestions for increasing the use of computers to capitalize of the potential of computer use. First, she suggests teaching critical thinking skills first, then using technology to increase student learning. She also suggests teachers focus on curriculum, instruction and assessment, and not focus on computer use.

• Computers can provide transformative student learning experiences if used properly.


• Developmentally apppropriate and challenging tools offer richer opportunities to practice analytical and critical thinking skills.


• Computers need to be used as mind tools.


• Critical thinking skills first, then technology.


• Focus on curriculum, instruction and assessment.


• Teachers must


• engage in ongoing professional development to understand how technology can be used as a problem solving tool, and to see how computers and learning connect more appropriately.


• Schools must take measures to ensure that they are using computers to their fullest instructional potential.

The article points out many flaws with computer use in our schools, and offers many suggestions regarding how to improve its use. With budget cuts, NCLB and other issues facing our schools today, it is difficult to get the appropriate funding for districts to provide the staff development neccessary to improve student learning. With all the information available on the internet, it is important for students to know how to discern what is correct and incorrect. In the field of history, there are many great sites and many not so great sites, therefore, it is extremely important for students to know how to evaluate these sites. With that in mind, teachers need to be sure students have critical thinking skills developed enough to appropriatly evaluate sites.