Developing Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Digital Creativity and Beyond

This week we discussed critical digital skills and competencies teachers, learners, and administrators need related to higher-order thinking and innovation. This includes skills and competencies for using digital tools to (a) conduct research and critically solve problems, (b) communicate and collaborate effectively, whether at home, school, or in the workplace, and (c ) spark creativity. Additionally, it also includes critical skills and competencies for AI, as it becomes increasingly prevalent in learning spaces. Across these different foci, these skills and competencies enable students to share ideas, engage with diverse cultures, and contribute to global knowledge while building strong digital citizenship.

Recommended Resources:

Experimenting with Tools – Trying things out! 

In the second part of the class, we explored a digital tool of your choice to support essential competencies in collaboration, innovation, critical thinking, decision-making, and communication in a particular learning activity or resource or material. Towards the end of the class, you also made a post in padlet explaining what you are working on. Check back later to see what tools others have picked and our various approaches to using these tools.

Padlet: Share your Tool 

For your exploration: 

Supplementary readings:

Casal-Otero, L., Catala, A., Fernández-Morante, C., Taboada, M., Cebreiro, B., & Barro, S. (2023). AI literacy in K-12: a systematic literature review. International Journal of STEM Education, 10(1), 29. 

Yuniarti, N., Rahmawati, Y., Anwar, M., Al Hakim, V. G., Hidayat, H., Hariyanto, D., … & Wang, J. H. (2024). Augmented reality‐based higher order thinking skills learning media: Enhancing learning performance through self‐regulated learning, digital literacy, and critical thinking skills in vocational teacher education. European Journal of Education, e12725.

Blog Post Inspiration:

  • Consider AI literacy in K-12 education, as outlined in the UNESCO competencies and in our supplementary resources. How do these competencies intersect with digital collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking skills?
  • While digital tools offer great opportunities for data analysis and problem-solving, describe a situation where they could inadvertently limit deeper cognitive engagement and higher-order thinking. Why might this happen, and what is the role of the teacher in supporting the effective and ethical use of digital technologies?