Creative Learning Technologies That Enhance Critical Thinking Skills in a Smart E-classroom

1 Information Technology, Pace University, Briarcliff, N.Y. 10510 2 Lienhard School of Nursing, Pace University, Pleasantville, N.Y. 10570 Abstract This paper will discuss the second phase of a teaching / learning model utilizing interactive smart eclassrooms in higher education. This phase includes the administering two tools: the California Critical Thinking Skills Test (CCTST), and a modified satisfaction survey. The pilot testing was issued during a 6-week session to students taught by the same professor and having identical course numbers. The subsequent semester the CCTST was administered during a 14-week semester session again, to 2 sections of the same course. In both instances, the experimental class met in a smart e-classroom while the control group only met in a traditional classroom with blackboards. Our goals were to increase critical thinking skills through a good facilitator, adequate planning, design, and proper support of interactive smart e-classrooms. Evaluations and informal interviews of the faculty and students utilizing the eclassrooms reflected a positive, enthusiastic outcome. However, research is still continuing to further breakdown the factors influencing critical thinking components such as analysis, evaluation, inference, deductive, and inductive.