ABSTRACT VIEW
GENERATIVE AI AS A TRANSFORMATIVE TOOL FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING: A CONSTRUCTIONIST APPROACH
J. Vancell
University of Malta (MALTA)
This paper examines the influence of the “maker movement” on education, focusing on how activities like making, tinkering, coding, and play—enhanced by Generative AI—foster 21st-century skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and computational thinking. Rooted in a constructionist approach (as proposed by Seymour Papert, in 1980, in his “Mindstorms: Children, computers, and powerful ideas”), it highlights the intrinsic value of the learning process and the interdisciplinary connections across STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) domains. Drawing on a comprehensive literature review, the research proposes an educational framework that extends beyond traditional STEAM boundaries. Rather than offering a singular conclusion, it advocates for an integrated approach that blends theoretical perspectives with practical outcomes. It underscores key pedagogical principles and demonstrates the value of innovative educational practices, promoting a model of cross-disciplinary collaboration and inclusivity. By bridging gaps between different research fields and between academia and the wider community, this paper offers a paradigm for driving meaningful and transformative educational advancements. It explores educational models and methodologies to enrich academic discourse and enhance practical applications in learning environments.

Keywords: The Maker Movement, A Generative AI-Enhanced Approach, Constructionist teaching and learning, COPs (Communities of Practice), Seymour Papert.

Event: EDULEARN25
Session: Learning by Making
Session time: Tuesday, 1st of July from 10:30 to 12:00
Session type: ORAL