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An additional strength, with regard to technology, includes the manner in which the available technology is used to enhance students’ ability to collaborate while using critical and creative thinking skills. It is essential for students to work collaboratively in a student-centered environment to generate ideas, articulate their thoughts, and deepen understanding in order to be proficient learners in the 21st Century. Technology resources such as, Microsoft Office 365, OneDrive, and Schoology are utilized to drive student collaboration that broadens and deepens all aspects of learning. Office 365 is a digital resource in which students create and collaborate on documents in real time; an example of this is referenced in our Quest Olympics project outlined in Standard 1.2. In Office 365, students create, share, and peer edit work through OneDrive. Schoology, a digital classroom platform, allows students to work in groups on research-focused lessons using credible digital websites and sources. In addition to conducting research, Schoology is utilized by students to submit assignments, participate in virtual discussions, and monitor progress of academic success. Schoology’s blogging feature is frequently used to drive classroom discussions.

For example, English Language Arts teachers at New Ellenton conduct Socratic Seminars to enrich critical thinking through shared discussion. Socratic Seminars is an instructional protocol used to facilitate student participation in a formal text-based discussion. An open-ended question sparks the discussion. Students listen closely and respond to one another’s comments while referencing textual evidence to support their ideas. Teachers at New Ellenton Middle School designed a technology-infused hybrid method of the Socratic Seminar that employs two circles of students: an inner circle and an outer circle. The inner circle facilitates the oral portion of the open-ended discussion, while the outer circle participates via blogging with digital resources. Blogged discussions require students to respond to both the oral discussion and the digital posts. This instructional strategy emphasizes critical thinking while also reinforcing critical thinking and listening skills.

Technology is also used to reinforce creative thinking. Emphasis has been placed on the use of project-based learning integrated via technology in all courses. Project-Based Learning (PBL) involves research, critical and creative thinking, and collaboration grounded in authentic learning experiences. The integration of technology with PBL naturally enhances students' ability to conduct research, create designs, and develop presentations and/or documents to communicate solutions. One such interdisciplinary project includes the 7th grade Clean Water Project. While reading the book, A Long Walk to Water, students used technology to conduct research in ELA and science to design and construct devices to filter water. The Future City exploratory class required students to use 123-D and Tinkercad software programs to design components of their “future city”, and 3-D printers to create models of those components. These components were assembled to create a replica of their imaginary city.

New Ellenton Middle STEAM Magnet School also utilizes a variety of software programs designed to further develop students’ critical thinking. These programs include, but are not limited to, USA Testprep, Kahoot, Prodigy, and Wowzers. They serve as formative assessment tools that use rigorous standards-driven questions, which require students to problem solve, collaborate, and self-monitor learning. Teachers benefit because they are able to assess their students’ knowledge quickly, and students benefit by receiving immediate feedback using an engaging program.