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EW fRIDAY, JANUARY OSLA SPOTLIGHT SPEAKER SHINES 31, 2003 Intellectual Tools Assist Students to Think Critically What a great way to jump into Thursday morning sessions! Roland Case began his presentation by stating that the two themes of critical thinking and information technology form an important but potentially dangerous marriage. He went on to demonstrate the dangers of information technology in our society, where it has perverted what we try to do in schools, which is to teach understanding of information rather than simply accessing. When students think that because they can find the information, they don't have to think, schools become trainers for a "Where's Waldo?" generation. After pointing out that leaders in various fields of expertise around the world all agreed that students must be taught to think critically, he and other B.C. educators have developed units of study, whereby teachers learn to pose questions that provide choices and criteria. But we need to teach the tools which will empower students to reason through the problem. Mr. Case elaborated on these tools: vocabulary, criteria, strategy, background, knowledge, and habits of mind. He stressed that our success depends on the teaching of these tools. This session validated what we do. Mr. Case provided us with an overview of the problem, and real strategies to teach critical thinking skills in a world consumed by information technology. Construction at the Crowne How to get around the construction zone Option #1: The stairs connecting the MTCC to the Crowne Plaza are found at the end of the hall down from the OLA office (Room 205A). They will get you to the lower level of the Crowne Plaza where Ballrooms A&B, Niagara, Ontario and Simcoe rooms are located. To access the Kingsway, Halton, Humber, Wentworth, Oakville, Caledon, Wellington and High Park meeting rooms, take the elevator to the main level. At key moments, hotel personnel will be dedicating the elevators to moving people between floors . Option #2: Walk the internal street to the hotel. This would require you to wear a light jacket. I Infinite. Information. Innovations. Pro Quest Keeping a close eye on future trends, Micromedia ProQuest is committed to offering innovative products and partnerships that meet the information needs of our customers. As Canada's Information People, Micromedia ProQuest gives you access to quality content through a trusted source . - - - - - - - - E n joy OlASuperC onfer ence 2003! - Visit our OLA Booth (71 0·714) or visit us online at www.micromedia.ca