Mindtools

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Mindtools
Origins Definitions Descriptions Applications
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Mindtools Origins

• Piaget Constructivism
• Zoology
• Worked in Binets laboratory (IQ test)
• Constructivism--Children have real understanding
  only of that which they invent themselves, and
  each time that we try to teach them something too
  quickly, we keep them from reinventing it
  themselves
• Papert Constructionism
• Papert studied with Piaget in Geneva
• Constructionism"people learn better when engaged
  in making and designing their own computational
  meaningful projects
• http//www.papert.org/articles/SituatingConstructi
  onism.html

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Mindtools Definitions

• Computer-based tools and learning environments
  that promote meaningful learning and help
  restructure thinking.

• Computer based
• Available
• Affordable
• Help with knowledge construction
• Generalizable
• Critical thinking
• Transferrable learning
• Simple, powerful formalism
• Easily learnable

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Mindtools Examples

• Advantages
• 1.Projects can be value- based to foster personal
  connections
• 2. Children become epistemologists
• Examples
• Star LOGO
• Programmable Brick
• Moose Crossing

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Mindtools Examples

• Star LOGO
• http//education.mit.edu/starlogo/

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Mindtools Examples

• Programmable Bricks
• http//llk.media.mit.edu/projects/cricket/
• http//www.ceeo.tufts.edu/robolabatceeo/

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Mindtools Examples

• http//www.cc.gatech.edu/elc/moose-crossing/

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Mindtools Questions

• How do we ensure that the tools we create are
  Mindtools?
• Can programs such as Word Processing/ CAD
  Programs be used as Mindtools?
• How can we infuse Mindtools into formal
  educational settings?