Mawahib Alsuwayhiri

26 Jan 2016
Formal reflection article
In the article, Clearing the Confusion between Technology Rich and
Innovative Poor: Six Questions by Alan November, the author talks about a
webinar in which 90% of schools leaders were thinking they are leading an
innovative school as a result of owning the latest technology. However, by the end
of the webinar and throughout asking six crucial questions, only one leader stated
to be leading an innovative school. The questions didnt ask for long answers; they
were yes and no answers. They also designed to help educators and schools leader
gain more knowledge about the technology values at the school setting. The author
argues that most schools assignments dont use technology in the proper way, and
dont take the most advantage of it. Mr. November discusses each question
individually in his article. The first question is: Did the assignment build capacity
for critical thinking on the web? What the author means by this question is that
students usually dont occupy the right set of skills to help them search properly
online. Students need to be taught the accurate way to search online. They need to
learn how to find what they want in the enormous amount of information they will
face while searching. The second question is Did the assignment develop new lines
of inquiry? We have to encourage students to be more curious about the world

around them, ask questions, and search for answers. The third question is are there
opportunities for students to make their thinking visible? the author means by that
question that we have to teach students how to assist themselves, judge and review
their work before they hand it to their teachers. By doing this, the student will learn
how to self-analyze their work, and they will also improve the quality of their
homework. The fourth question is Are there opportunities to broaden the
perspective of the conversation with authentic audiences from around the world?.
The idea behind this question is to extend students experience. We want our
students to share the knowledge from all around the globe, not only with their
classmates. The fifth question is Is there an opportunity for students to create a
contribution (purposeful work)?. Mr. November means that teachers should let
their students be involving and help them creating some of their study materials.
When students feel that they are in touch with what they are doing in the
classrooms, that will help them to learn more and achieve their goals. Finally, the
sixth and last question is Does the assignment demo best in the world examples
of content and skill?. This question asks teachers to show students samples of
some of the best in the world example to encourage the students to do their best.
When students see different examples from around the world of kids in their age
doing similar work to what they are doing, that will inspire them to do the work
perfectly.

References:
November, Alan. "Clearing the Confusion between Technology Rich and
Innovative Poor: Six Questions." November Learning. 12 Jan. 2015. Web. 09 Feb.
2016.