Tools for the Mind

Overview

In her article, “Tools for the Mind,” Mary Burns disputes that technology is being used inappropriately in the classroom setting. Districts have focused on training teachers on professional development when they should be focusing on training teachers on computers. Burns also mentions that an observation done in 1999 and 2003 through the South Central Regional Technology in Education Consortium indicates that schools do use Microsoft Office as well as the Internet in the classroom setting but to be aware that the content is reduced to a “sight bit” where the focus is on color and visual stimulation. Burns recommends that teachers use technology that will help students develop high order thinking such as spread sheets and databases. Burns offers a solution to schools and school districts which is providing professional development for teachers. Teachers teach critical thinking first and technology later. Students and teachers must become creators of information and ideas, not simply users of technology.

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