“The constructionist learning theory by Papert, based on constructivism, has a long tradition in computer science education for describing the student’s learning process by hands-on activities”, (Csizmadia. 2019). The implementation of Constructionism into the classroom brings “creativity, tinkering, exploring, building, and presentation to the forefront of the learning process”, (Donaldson, 2014). In a primary school context, a constructionist approach can facilitate creative learning due to its flexibility and desire for active learning.
The maker movement and constructionism are heavily linked as the maker movement values human passion and capability in an effort to create and learn by doing (Martinez, 2014). In the classroom, the maker movement and constructionism can be displayed through the use of the Micro:bit in lesson activities. The Micro:bit owned by BBC, is a small, programmable device that is designed for easy and accessible use for students to begin coding and electronic learning, (Micro:bit, 2023).
Fostering Creativity:
The micro:bit encourages experimentation in students through its hands-on learning experience. Creativity is fostered as students can code the micro:bit to create games, build robot-like objects or use the micro:bit to solve a problem.
Stage 3 science and technology requires students to define problems, and design and follow algorithms to develop solutions ST3-3DP-T, (NESA, 2017). As displayed in the images below, students can foster a maker movement approach by using a micro:bit to create a sustainable water system for a plant.
CC by Harrison Britton
The level of difficulty for stage 3 students navigating a micro:bit is reasonably high, therefore the promotion of problem-solving is evident. Students need to think critically while coding and develop new ideas to solve problems the Micro:bit may pose, ultimately promoting growth in ones learning.
Pedagogical Critiques:
Contrastingly, the level of difficulty to program a micro:bit may be too high for some students, ultimately allowing students to lose interest. Further, Micro:bit may be considered to have a limited scope of programming concepts as it does not venture into the theories and principles of coding. Therefore, there is a disconnect between students who are capable and students who are less capable of this task.
Limited curriculum integration is another critique. Although highly important there are few syllabus outcomes that cater for the use of a micro:bit.
Nonetheless, Micro;bit is an exceptional tool that CC by Harrison Britton demonstrates constructionism and the maker movement in the classroom.
References:
Csizmadia, A., Standl, B., & Waite, J. (2019). Integrating the constructionist learning theory with computational thinking classroom activities. Informatics in Education, 18(1), 41-67.
Donaldson, J. (2014). The maker movement and the rebirth of constructionism. Hybrid pedagogy.
Martinez, S., & Stager, G. S. (2014). The maker movement: A learning revolution. Learning & Leading with Technology, 41(7), 12-17.
Micro:bit. (2023). BBC micro:bit. https://microbit.org/
Micro:bit Educational Foundation. (2021). Introduction to the BBC Micro:bit. Youtube.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2u7UJSRuko
NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA).(2017). Science and Technology. K-6 Syllabus. NESA. https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/learning-areas/tas/science-and-technology-k-6-new-syllabus
NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA, 2021). Stage 3. Science K-6.
Hi Harry,
I immensely enjoyed reading your blog post. I can tell great thought, effort and research has gone into this blog post. You effectively explained the importance of constructionist learning, and connected it to the micro bit to describe how it fosters student creativity.
One thing i would recommend is to also integrate positive pedagogical factors, to balance it out.
All in all, a great blog !
Djoumana Aoun
Hi Harry! I've really enjoyed keeping up with your blogs! They are always incredibly well researched, and this one is no different! You've done an excellent job at explaining potential downsides to the micro:bit, and have also explained how it links to the NSW syllabus.
You have adequately explained how the tool fosters creativity, and have created an engaging post. Great job!
09/04/2023