2.)+Mindtools

** Mindtools are cognitive tools such as selected computer programs that stimulate learning **
==** and thinking in students. This technology is being used in today’s schools to “teach” students in much the same way that educators “teach” students (i.e., instruct students about what they know and assess their recall and comprehension of what they were told). Mindtools in education are a set of five tools that students and teachers can use in combination with “traditional” teaching and learning methods. The combination of technology and traditional methods of teaching work great together. Thus, both teachers and students alike will be better served by programs that devote a greater percentage of instructional time to problem solving and active learning. The teacher can even use mindtools for successful assessments while adhering to standards. **== = = =**Many computer applications have been developed explicitly to engage learners incritical thinking. Others can be repurposed as Mindtools. There are several classes of Mindtools, including semantic organization tools, dynamic modeling tools, informationinterpretation tools, knowledge construction tools, and conversation and collaborationtools (Jonassen, in press). **=