June 2, 2011

“The eighth big idea is we are entering a digital world where knowing about digital technology is as important as reading and writing. So learning about computers is essential for our students’ futures BUT the most important purpose is using them NOW to learn about everything else.”

Papert, S. (1999) “The Eight Big Ideas Behind the Constructionist Learning Laboratory.” In Stager, G. An Investigation of Constructionism in the Maine Youth Center. Doctoral dissertation. The University of Melbourne. 2006.

In 1999, Seymour Papert embarked on his last ambitious institutional research project when he created the constructionist, technology-rich, project-based,  multi-aged Constructionist Learning Laboratory inside of Maine’s troubled prison for teens, The Maine Youth Center. Shortly after the start of  the three year project, Papert outlined the Eight Big Ideas behind the Constructionist Learning Laboratory. Although non-exhaustive, this list does a good job of explaining constructionism to the general population.

Over eight days, each of the big ideas will be posted here at The Daily Papert.

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