Learning through design. Teachers seminar
Seminar for education professionals involved in the programme to introduce the basic concepts of digital fabrication, how to use it as an educational tool and design projects and activities for their students.
Creative learning spiral by Mitch Resnick
Digital fabrication or computer aided manufacturing makes it possible to materialise physical objects from computer file designs, in this case using recycled equipment and materials. fabLAB provides first-hand knowledge of the processes and systems in which technology is an essential element, producing prototypes that allow participants to analyse the design and construction of an object, its component parts and the function it performs, thereby facilitating its usage and conservation.
Susanna Tesconi who will be working with the schools through out the year gives this seminar. As teaching methods, Susanna uses cooperative learning, learning through design (LTD) and learning by doing as practices aimed to improve creative thinking. The process can be resumed in these recursive steps: imagine, create, play and share.
LDT, Learning Through Design approach (based on John Dewey`s Learning by doing) is inspired by two important theories: constructivist theory of learning, developed by Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget and constructionist approach to education, developed by MIT professor Seymour Papert.
As Mitchel Resnick from MIT Media Lab establishes design projects engage kids as active participants, giving them a greater sense of control and responsibility for the learning process. A part form the consideration that design projects are often interdisciplinary, bringing together ideas from art, technology, math, and sciences.
The teachers got to know the machines and possibilities of a Fab Lab and designed and educational project based on their students needs that focuses on design and prototyping as main resources.
Dates: 10th-12th September 2012
