2026-09-19T10:09:55Zhttps://dspace.mit.edu/server/oai/requestoai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/417582022-01-13T07:55:03Zcom_1721.1_7582com_1721.1_7581col_1721.1_131023
David Cavallo.
Nichols, Laura E
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Architecture. Program in Media Arts and Sciences.
Program in Media Arts and Sciences (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
2008-05-19T16:15:06Z
2008-05-19T16:15:06Z
2007
2007
http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/41758
226233993
Thesis (S.M.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2007.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 62-63).
This thesis discusses the development, use, and potential future for an openly-editable web-based community learning resource for builders. The idea for a resource such as this and how it might be structured stems from Seymour Papert's vision of a Constructopedia: [...] a browsable, interactive database, designed to help children build structures, mechanisms, and computer programs as well as to make connections to the mathematical and scientific ideas underlying those constructions. Whereas encyclopedias focus on "what is," the Constructopedia focuse[s] on "how to" and "what if." The Constructopedia [is] intended as a communal resource in which children not only get access to building tips, but also contribute their own ideas and designs [Lifelong Kindergarten, 2007]. The IMP differs from existing resources in three key ways. First, by allowing for both project pages and concept pages to be added and by providing numerous, flexible ways of navigating the site, the IMP attempts to treat learning through construction more like the immersive learning of a new language. Second, due to its collaborative nature, the IMP serves as a place where builders can reflect on their ideas, share their projects, and contribute to the learning environment. Third, the IMP attempts to support the use of whatever materials are locally available to the builder instead of only focusing on one type of material or on one particular kit.
Laura E. Nichols.
S.M.
63 p.
eng
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
M.I.T. theses are protected by
copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but
reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written
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http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582
Architecture. Program in Media Arts and Sciences.
The Idea Melting Pot (IMP) : an openly-editable web-based community learning resource for builders
Openly-editable web-based community learning resource for builders
Thesis
application/pdf
Publication
unknown
unknown
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