Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in an Elementary School: Students' Engagement in Higher Order Thinking

Abstract

Based on a case study of an elementary school in Singapore, this article describes and analyzes how different types of ICT tools (informative, situating, constructive, and communicative tools) are used to engage students in higher-order thinking. The discussion emphasizes that the objective of the lesson and the orienting activities, rather than the ICT tools, play an important role in engaging students in higher-order thinking. Different types of ICT tools are often used to complement one another to achieve the lesson objectives. However, the classification of an ICT tool is based more on how it is used than its characteristics. Just-in-time ICT skills training facilitates the students in their learning process. Moreover, effective management of digital instructional resources that ensure seamless and easy retrieval supports the integration of ICT into the curriculum.