Papert 1979

From Eduwiki

Mindstorms

Papert runs 2 major themes in this section of the book. First, is that a natural process of learning about computers can be possible, kind of like learning a foriegn language at a young age. Second, after learning how to communicate through a computer it will transform the way other learning takes place. Papert, is inspired by computers as "objects to think with". First, one must learn how to communicate and use a computer. Once a student is able to communicate with a computer then the larger picture comes about.....using a computer as a thinking tool. Computers aren't made to make life easier, it is a tool in which we can learn. Just like a pencil and a piece of paper. Papert strongly believes that learning is best made through assimilations. He uses an example of when he was a child and learned about the dynamics of gears and how that helped him learn math later on in school. It is alot easier to learn something if a person can relate personal experiences with it. Learning can be more enjoyable and effective Papert argues if we can use both personal assimilations and computers to think and learn. Papert wrote this article before the internet was assessable to the public.

How would Papert's view of computers in education have changed?

I think Papert's views would not have changed very much to the contrary. The internet simply opens up more possibilities for students. Papert believed in knowledge transfer. His description of his experiences with gears emphasizes that children learn better when they have a model that interests them. I know very few children who hate the internet. The internet opens up a whole new world for children to create and explore. To quote Papert, "this book is about how computers can be carriers of powerful ideas and of the seeds of cultural change, how they can help people form new relationships with knowledge that cut across the traditional lines separating humanities from sciences and knowledge of the self from both of these."