20 applications in order to provide students with computerized critical thinking task:
databases, spreadsheets, word processors, presentation tools, communication tools, and web browsers. With an understanding of what those categories, the
teachers can help the students to use the computer as a tool to connect the ideas. According to Egbert and Elizabeth 2007, teachers can develop many exercises,
activities, and tasks by combining language and content achievement standards, critical thinking skills, and computer applications.
Egbert and Elizabeth 2007 state that there are certain advantages of using software, particularly because the reorganized material of the programs offers
clear structure. Many of the critical thinking programs allow teachers to bring data form outside sources, and they come ready-made with charts, diagrams, and mind
maps to help organize data. Some software is specifically designed for language learning. If a software
package is not designed for language purposes, it could still be used if the teacher selects critical thinking software that contains language appropriate for the
learners’ proficiency levels.
2.2.6 A Critical Thinking Disposition
According to Egbert and Elizabeth 2007, one activity that can be undertaken to create a strong critical thinking disposition would be to examine the
live of good critical thinker. For instance, students could research Abraham Lincoln’s life, hardships, and achievements. While studying these topics, the
students could be asked to identify aspects of Lincoln’s character and why he
21 might be considered a critical thinker. While working on Vocabulary
development, teachers could help students recognize and use adjectives to describe people and their dispositions. Here are some possible steps for such an
activity based on Egbert and Elizabeth ’ 2007 perceptions:
1. Students search the internet to find three famous people they admire.
They list the reasons for admiring them, including the adjectives listed on the web pages that describe them.
2. Students tell the teacher the names they have selected, and these are
written on the board along with adjectives, related behaviors, and characteristics. The teacher makes a diagram showing the items listed,
linking the famous people with certain adjectives. 3.
Students identify characteristics that great thinkers have in common, using a paper of software chart to note adjectives that will be the focus
of subsequent lessons. 4.
Students follow up by researching and writing a report explaining, with the use of the local adjectives, why the selected person can be
considered a great thinker. Those activity steps of Egbert and Elizabeth 2007, are the example on
how to create critical thinking activities. An interesting activity is needed in facilitating
students’ critical thinking. Therefore, the teacher holds big important role in creating conducive classroom by creating an interesting activity.
22
2.3 Online Learning Media
According to Yucel 2006, Online learning Media has been widely used for less than ten years; however, it has changed the contents of many concepts in
our lives as a modern communication tool. Many common concepts such as government, trade, democracy and learning have gained new meanings by taking
the prefix “e”. E-learning or web-based education is one of the important concepts and opportunities provided by the Internet. The concept of distance learning
actually emerged much before than the Internet; actually, it is said to be as old as education.
Yucel 2006 argues that the distance learning models administered via letters, press, television and CDs have ended up with practical and successful
results. As Internet is global, unlimited and open to public, the teaching applications planned for the Internet environment has a potential of moderating
the nature of distance learning. It seems that it will be the only distance learning tool of the near future. E-learning, as a new version of distance learning, is
applied via the Internet technologies and involves the educational activities, which do not require the presence of the teacher and learner at the same time and place.
2.3.1 Edmodo
In this study, Edmodo is an online learning media which is used to facilitate
students’ critical thinking. According to Cauley 2015, Edmodo is an online educational website that takes the ideas of a social network and refines
them and makes it appropriate for a classroom. By using Edmodo, students and
