The City that We Want: Generative Themes, Constructionist Technologies and School/Social Change

  • Authors:

  • David Cavallo;Paulo Blikstein;Arnan Sipitakiat;Anindita Basu;Alexandra Camargo;Roseli de Deus Lopes;Alice Cavallo

  • Affiliations:

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology;Massachusetts Institute of Technology;Massachusetts Institute of Technology;Massachusetts Institute of Technology;University of São Paulo;University of São Paulo;Tufts University

  • Venue:
  • ICALT '04 Proceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Advanced Learning Technologies
  • Year:
  • 2004

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Abstract

We describe a project, The City that We Want, which enabled the constructionist use of technology within a generative theme to enable students to design and construct their ideas about how to improve life in their communities. We used a variety of computational technologies combined with crafts and scrap materials. The goal was for children to learn in a more contextualized manner important ideas in the disciplines through their projects. We designed the overall project itself as an object to think with in order to facilitate a broader reform in the schools. The willing participation, inspired projects, and commitment and development of the teachers demonstrated significant value.