Computers as a Mindtool

When first reading David Jonassen's article on Computers As Mindtools For Engaging Critical Thinking And Representing Knowledge I tend to have disagreed with what he had to say. For example : when he said " Using computers to "teach" students in this traditional way is not appropriate because it does not mindfully engage students in mind making meaning". Where as I saw computers as a teaching device. I believed that students could use computers as a teaching device and could learn al sorts of new things and expand their knowledge by using a computer.For example, when a student does a research project most students today resort to the computer where there is a large range of information you an trace down. If a child finds a suitable website that states the right true facts, the student will be able to learn new iformation.

However when i read on in the article it explained that the computer is pretty much a teachers resource and it's more of a tool/guide with our learning, because it builds on the knowledge that we already have.David also said "How we construct knowledge depends upon what we already know , which depends on the kinds of experiences that we have had , how we have organized those experiences into knowledge structures, and what we believe about what we know". I totally agree with what he had said. We develop our knowledge on things that we already know and from ou personal experiences , then from there we organize it into knowledge structures then decide weather to believe or not believe in what we already know.

Computers are more like a learning support system that helps us build on the knowledge that we already have. Now I no longer see computers as a "teacher" like i did when i first began to read the article but instead I see them more as a tool that can help students engage more into their subjects and a guide that helps build onto their prior knowledge.