• If you were to start a school from scratch, what would it look like? When responding to this consider Papert and discuss how he guided your ideas or how they are different/similar? 

The school I would create would have information technologies, such as Chromebooks and boxlights. Papert started his book discussing the importance of information technologies. Students are used to using technology in and out of the classroom, so it should not be difficult for students to adopt new technological resources. Papert mentioned that children see the computers as theirs, which can be used as an advantage in the classroom. This way, students will be more likely to come prepared to class. I would not have lecture style classes. Papert mentioned that human activity has changed, but schools have not as much. It’s important for students to experience through ways like group problem solving activities and field trips.  

Also, Papert mentioned that parents did not trust computers in the classroom because children were first introduced to them by video games. However, this book was published in 1993, so I think that more parents now would be willing to adopt the idea of computers in the classroom. My school would value game-based learning, such as nearpods, kahoots, blookets, and peardecks because they help engage and interest students (Papert, 1993). 

As an English teacher, reading and writing is a core value in my classroom. Papert says that reading is not a necessary core learning requirement, but he brings up examples from elementary school (Papert, 1993). I am a firm believer that reading and writing serve as a core foundation for all other subjects. No matter what challenges each of my middle school students face, I never underestimate them and I meet them where they are and scaffold throughout the school year. Other than reading and writing serving as a core foundation at my school, the necessity of hobbies will too. I will encourage students to value their hobbies and choose texts and/or project options based on their hobbies or hobbies they are interested in learning more about (Papert, 1993). Overall, the classes in my school would be student-centered and strive to make learning as fun as possible and a lifelong habit. 

 

References

Duffy, T. M. & Jonassen, D.H. (1991). Constructivism: new implications for instructional technology? Educational Technology Publications, Inc. 31(5), 7-12. https://www.jstor.org/stable/44427513.

Jonassen D.H. (1991). Evaluating constructivist learning. Educational Technology Publications, Inc. 31(9), 28-33. https://www.jstor.org/stable/44401696.

Papert, S. (1993). The children’s machine. Library of Congress.