#B Transforming learning

Group work and collaboration has long been a part of the standard curriculum.  It allows students to learn from one another, take on different roles, and play to their strengths.  Cooperative learning like this allows students from a wide array of learning styles and abilities to work together.  This type of learning is critical as it is something that mirrors real world experiences.  In nearly every career there is collaboration and the ability to work together is paramount to a successful project.  Technology makes this type of work a more viable option.  Individuals are able to contribute to the group from remote locations and get real time updates.

"Creativity is a much-prized quality in society...but is not nearly so in schools."  The way we perceive intelligence has shifted profoundly in recent history.  While in the past logical and mathematical reason was the basis for determining who was smart, we now understand that people learn and express themselves in many different ways.  Technology provides us with an outlet for creativity that has the potential to instantly reach across the globe.  As the text states, it is not necessary for the student to be revolutionary, but creating in a new way to the individual is empowering.  I believe this creates confidence and opens new doors in exploration and creativity in ones self.

Critical thinking through the use of online problem-solving environments is very intriguing.  I am not a video gamer myself, but I am quite aware of how popular it is in my generation and it surely will be for generations to come.  Using the tech that kids use for fun as a tool for learning is a great idea.  I think the challenge is coming up with learning tools that feel more like games.  When a student is engaged in the material, they should not feel like they are studying, but playing an immersive and challenging video game.  

A video on critical thinking, it is not short, but it is quite interesting.

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Corazza, G. (2014). Creative thinking - how to get out of the box and generate ideas: Giovanni Corazza at TEDxRoma. Retrieved September 9, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEusrD8g-dM

Z. (n.d.). Free online word cloud generator and tag cloud creator. Retrieved September 9, 2016, from http://www.wordclouds.com/