Exploration of Relationship Between Usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Tools and Critical Thinking Desposition Among Distance Education Students

One of the main objectives of the ICT-based education is training of critical thinking skills. Critical thinking is essential for a thouthful way of living and compatability to rapid social changes. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship betweeen usage of ICT tools and critical thinking desposition among distance education students. The research was done through descriptive (Survey) method. The study population consisted of all students of Isfahan Payam-Noor university (distance education) from which a sample of 100 students was selected by using random sampling method. In order to collect data, ICT Questionnaire and California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDE) were used. The Results showed that the mean of total score of critical thinking disposition was 276.31 indicating an ambivalence desposition. Also there were significant relationships between the amount of familiarity to ICT tools, scientific-scholarly objectives and awareness of news and information objectives and critical thinking desposition.