Why learning to think will matter more than learning tools

In today's fast-paced tech world, technology moves at such a quick pace that the education systems are trying to keep up with that pace. Learning new technology is great but having the ability to think critically and creatively and independently is far more valuable in the long term.

Most likely your ability to think, rather than the latest technology, will outlast any type of software, platform or trend in technology.

Tools and their transient nature

As technology progresses, digital tools will continue to evolve. Digital tools will evolve with new updates, replacement products, and will eventually become obsolete. Therefore, if a student is only focused on becoming proficient in one type of digital tool, there is a possibility that student will become obsolete. In comparison, a student who is developing their ability to think will not have any issues adapting to those skills and digital tools and will be able to learn new digital tools quickly when needed. Thinking provides learners with ample opportunity to continue learning and utilizing the latest digital tools. However, digital tools will only provide a short-term benefit for learners.

Problem Solving Foundation Depends on Critical Thinking

Through critical thinking students will understand how to think rationally. This enables them to identify and evaluate evidence, determine the correct type of questions to ask and take into account the potential biases in any evidence that they receive. They will also have gained an appreciation for their own personal experiences as well as develop critical thinking skills. It will enable them to make informed decisions about complex situations, which often lack simple answers. Critical thinking will help students to deal with the uncertainty that exists in many situations rather than relying upon a specific predetermined process.

The role of AI in reframing learning priorities

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has intensified the need for our learners to have strong cognitive skill sets. AI can complete tasks, produce content and utilize instruments quicker and more efficiently than humans. However, while AI has shown an ability to perform tasks extremely well, there are several areas that AI cannot excel. For example, AI cannot replace the judgement or critical thinking, ethical reasoning and contextual understanding that human beings possess. Students that learn how to think for themselves will be able to use AI effectively; by questioning AI output and enhancing upon idea generation. Moreover, they will also learn to direct technology towards producing outcomes that are meaningful to them.

Creativity, judgement and human insights are more important than technical tools in education

Educational fields require creativity, emotional intelligence and judgment, which technology is incapable of duplicating. Our capacity to think creatively, utilize ethical reason, relate to others' feelings and interpret the thoughts of another person is a uniquely human skill set. Students who develop their thinking skills will be able to create value in society in ways that no computer or technology could produce. By developing their ability to think critically and creatively, education helps ensure that technology serves mankind (in that it meets a man's needs) rather than man being dictated by the technology he uses. Thus, the teaching and learning process can no longer just include technical training, but should be complemented with reasoning, reflection and an individual's ability to think independently. To teach individuals how to think, provides individuals with the necessary skills to be able to function as citizens, leaders and continue to learn throughout our changing world.

Conclusion

Although learning tools are only considered to be of short-term advantage right now, they provide students with the ability to use all types of thinking skills, thus creating a long-term advantage for the student. In addition to the technology being used now to provide innovative opportunities for the future student through the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. In their everyday lives, students will have the opportunity to acquire three essential elements as part of their educational experience: Critical Thinking, Ethical Thinking, and Creative Thinking.