Little Builders: Finding Purposes in Making in a Constructionist-Learning Environment Using Human-Centered Design

• In Event: 32.059 - Designing Technology-Mediated, Constructionist, and Open Learning

Abstract

This research presents two case studies on how human-centered design process can help the students find their purpose in making and designing in a constructionist learning-environment. Human-centered design guides students to deeper understanding of others’ needs and encourages them to think and act collaboratively and creatively. When the students are making prototypes, they are creating objects-to-think-with, which enables them to express themselves, learn, explore and experiment with new knowledge and boundaries. The research is implemented through the Little Builders program in Bangkok, Thailand. Its design builds upon the constructionist framework with the support of human-centered design process, providing 8th grade students in a Thai school the opportunity to design and build social innovations in an after school setting.

Author

• Sawaros Thanapornsangsuth, Teachers College, Columbia University