David Jonassen's Mindtools

I was very impressed with David Jonassen's book, Computers as Mindtools for Schools: Engaging Critical Thinking. He describes interesting ways to use "usual ware" (programs like databases and spreadsheets already installed on most computer systems), free ware (such as some expert systems and concept mapping software) and other inexpensive software to encourage students' learning in creative ways. He evaluates the uses of the software, which he calls "Mindtools", against a model of complex thinking that includes content/basic thinking, critical thinking, and creative thinking (pp. 25-30).

The whole of the book is geared toward students creating their own learning materials. "The primary belief of this book is that students learn more by constructing instructional materials than by studying them. Ultimately we could think about eliminating textbooks in the classroom and enabling learners to research ideas and develop their own interpretations in hypermedia" (p. 211).

One area that this book has encouraged me to explore further is the notion of concept maps, also known as semantic networks. These are graphs with nodes containing information, with directed lines running between the nodes indicating relationships. Having been a linear thinker all my life, I am now exploring other ways of representing and processing information, and concept maps appear to be a good way to organize and develop information.

Reference

Jonassen, D. (2000). Computers as Mindtools for Schools: Engaging Critical Thinking. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill.