open source vs. constructionist learning

[John Watlington]

Carlos,
   This was posted to the wrong list.   Please post
questions about constructivist learning to IEAP
<iaep at lists.sugarlabs.org> where people
who study education can provide a real answer.

wad

On Apr 12, 2010, at 9:40 PM, Carlos Nazareno wrote:

> Questions:
> 
> A) Syntax vs. Algorithms
> 
> Scenario 1:
> complex XO game is built in C, binary, complete C sourcecode + all
> source files + minimal documentation are included. Kid only
> understands Python. Sourcecode is complete gibberish. Kid enjoys game
> anyway & learns from content.
> 
> Scenario 2:
> complex XO game is built in C, binary, no sourcefiles or C sourcecode
> included, but algorithms/principles used to create the game +
> mechanics in English tutorial + pseudocode are included so users can
> create their own version of the game using any language. Kid only
> understands Python. Kid enjoys game anyway & learns from content.
> 
> Which of the 2 scenarios is constructionist?
> 
> B) Engaging vs. Spoonfeeding
> 
> Scenario 1:
> Closed binary of new free fantastic game is provided, contains
> chockful of puzzles & easter eggs for kid to explore and discover.
> There are no spoilers available on the net. Kid explores and
> collaborates with friends & classmates to solve the game, gain
> inspiration from the game & implement their own inspired version in
> Python.
> 
> Scenario 2:
> Sourcecode is included, kids peek into the sourcecode to get all the
> answers to the puzzles without having to explore, collaborate or flex
> their mental muscles or creativity. Basically no effort. Game over,
> game is done. They have a good laugh and move on to the next game.
> 
> Which of the 2 scenarios is constructionist?
> 
> Alternately, replace game with multiple choice math puzzles. Available
> multiple choice answers had no explanation, just the plain answers
> (e.g. 5, 12, 3.5, etc)
> 
> C) Artistic Vision
> 
> Scenario 1:
> I am an artist. This is my vision of a game, this is how I implemented
> it. This is my artistic statement, and I hope it inspires the audience
> to create their own artistic statement (hopefully games themselves
> too) inspired by it. I do not want users to tinker with and modify the
> sourcecode game itself I made, I want them to flex their mental
> muscles and creativity and create their own original games using any
> tool they want.
> 
> Theoretical Example:
> http://www.amanita-design.net/samorost-1/
> 
> Scenario 2:
> Kid changes some of the text like the names of the characters, reskins
> some of the art assets, but game is unchanged. Laughs and enjoyment
> are had by friends, but nothing groundbreaking or original is
> achieved.
> 
> Real-world  Example:
> http://www.thepencilfarm.com/blog/2008/02/snow_day_at_the_beijing_olympi.html
> 
> The *Official* Beijing Olympics committee hired programmmers who
> reverse engineered & plagiarized Ferry Halim's game snow Day
> (http://www.orisinal.com -> Please check it out, the Ferry is a truly
> gifted pioneering artist/game developer), not even bothering to
> replace some very obvious art assets.
> 
> Which of the 2 scenarios is constructionist?
> 
> (please note that I am into the mod community. I love to death the
> games & mods that starting hackers & budding game developers made in
> doom, quake, half-life & unreal. Counterstrike & Team Fortress  would
> not exist without the mod community or the support ID software or
> Valve gave them.)
> 
> I know you guys are sick of my voice, so I'm going to refrain from
> posting for a while. Please give the above serious thought, and I
> would really really appreciate it if I could hear your thoughts.
> 
> Please have a great week, continue to rock on, you guys are my heroes.
> 
> All the best,
> 
> -n
> 
> -- 
> carlos nazareno
> http://twitter.com/object404
> http://www.object404.com
> --
> interactive media specialist
> zen graffiti studios
> http://www.zengraffiti.com
> --
> "if you don't like the way the world is running,
> then change it instead of just complaining."
> _______________________________________________
> Devel mailing list
> Devel at lists.laptop.org
> http://lists.laptop.org/listinfo/devel