Can Educational Technology Help Students Develop a Growth Mindset?

   I have been reading Will Richardson’s book, Why School? and reflecting on Richardson’s perspectives on learning and school. As I read through the first part of the book where Richardson recounts how his son, Tuck, engaged with Minecraft I was immediately struck by Tuck’s mindset.  I am referring to how Tuck believed that he could solve the problems he encountered in the game and how found ways to gain the knowledge that he needed through various sources. He displayed remarkable perseverance and resiliency.  Tuck already displayed a good ‘growth mindset’. He believed right from the beginning of the narrative, that he could become ‘smarter’ and solve problems if he worked hard enough at it. He believed his brain was elastic and could be ‘exercised’ through trial and error, to learn the necessary skills and information.  

   While some students come to our classroom with a growth mindset, I have noticed that many students display a fixed mindset.  Those with a fixed mindset believe that their intelligence is genetically determined, and they are unable to change this or become ‘smarter’.  This mindset can result in a lack of perseverance, resiliency and therefore, motivation to learn.  I wonder how much Tuck’s growth mindset was responsible for him being successful in the game.  I wonder if Richardson considered this.   

  My questions led me to wondering if educational technology can help grow a student’s growth mindset.  If so, do certain technologies/applications promote growth mindset over others? Also, the 21st century literacies outlined by the NCTE point to attitudes and soft skills that students need to develop rather than familiarity with specific technologies.  The technology we use today will be obsolete by the time many of our students enter the workplace. Technology changes fast, so the skills and attitudes developed from using technology is what needs to be focused on.

    This year I have a group of 29 grade 4 students.  Many of whom have challenges: anxiety, learning disabilities, ADHD, ADD, ELL to name some.  We’ve worked hard this year at trying to develop growth mindset in students using literature, STEM projects, discussion, and conversation. Could the use of technology enhance this effort?  The school I am at currently has some under-utilized resources (Ozobots, maker space, 3D printer) which I would be interested in getting to know more about and seeing if, and how, they may fit into developing a growth mindset in students.   As I go about finding sources of information for my next blog post some keywords, I will use include: coding, educational technology, growth mindset, 21st Century Literacy, constructivism.

Image Credit: SillyODesign