Microworlds

Microworlds is a tool that promotes learning Constructionism. Initially, Microworlds is a name of software (which was discontinued) that helped people who did not study programming for career to have opportunity to learn and easy access to programming or coding. Such programming experience gives leaners the opportunity to practice Computational Thinking naturally (according to Professor Seymour’s idea) through the creation of one’s own work on the computer – a story in the form of animation, simulation of various processes, games. Creating a piece of work on a computer is an opportunity for leaners to create work in which they are really interested because computers have the flexibility to support a variety of ideas and interests of leaners (according to Professor Seymour Pepert’s book Mindstorms)

Programming in Microworlds is the practice of programming in the early days where programming was done using text (text-based programming language). Programmers would type in simple words or abbreviations in a correct order to communicate with computers through LOGO language (one of the computer’s languages like C, Java, etc.). In the later years, since 2007, Scratch program (free software from MIT Media Lab) was developed from ideas and learning of Constructionism which programming is processed by putting toy blocks together. It makes programming even easier for those who haven’t studied it before.

What benefits do we get from programming? This programming practice enables leaners to various thinking experiences that are useful in their thinking practice such as thinking step-by-step (Algorithm), thinking by decomposing complex matters into simpler elements for easy understanding (Decomposition), training to observe what is happening, in order to see systematically and patterns that occur repeatedly (Pattern Recognition). These are the foundation of problem solving or systematic job creation which makes the circuit easy to understand. Linking things that are concrete (things that happen) is the concept of Abstraction. These 4 types of thinking are parts of Computational Thinking which has become widely known. Programming using LOGO language or Block based programming in Constructionism emphasizes experience, Computational Thinking skill through creation of work. Natural creation of work, work that learners’ interests, is similar to learning through playing. It promotes learning naturally where learners enjoy such learning and, as a result, they will like it and have continuing desire to develop their skills further.

Learning through programming experience is based on the concept of Mathland by Professor Seymour Papert who proposed that we learn well when we have the opportunity to be in the environment that encourages us to use the knowledge. It allows us to learn naturally resulting in better outcome – remember it, be able to apply it, and have passionate in what we do and always want to become better. Let’s compare this concept with learning a language. For example, if a person is born in France, he/she definitely learns French naturally and is able to learn it better than those born in other countries where French is not an official language and have to study it from textbooks in a classroom. This is because that person lives in an environment that French is spoken everywhere. He/she uses it, basically, all the times. Professor Seymour pointed out that it is the nature of learning that we learn through living in that environment, self-training, and absorbing from the environment into our own true knowledge (Absorption, Assimilation and Accommodation) which is the concept of Constructionism. When we create something concrete, we will have a project that enables us to learn more about it concretely leading to continuous development. This is the origin of Constructionism built on Constructivism by Professor Jean Piaget (Professor of Seymour Papert).

Professor Seymour also stated that if we can make other knowledge like mathematics, which is normally very boring for most of the students, more fun to learn by creating Mathland which is the land of mathematics where leaners can practically use its concepts for leaning. Learners will learn and understand better when learning is natural, and they will want to improve their knowledge in mathematics. This idea is the start of creating LOGO language, and Mathland in Microworlds, Scratch, Stars Logo, NetLogo, and many more which enable learning and absorbing the Computational Thinking through creation of work in Mathland naturally.

In Thailand, Microworlds workshops have been applied and combined with Soft skills development activities that enable leaners to observe the learning process in addition to programming. Learners are encouraged to practice Computational Thinking and understand experience in learning Constructionism more sharply through Reflection process. The Microworlds workshop has been taught and adapted in various ways. There are workshops that original version of Microworlds software is still being used and other workshops that the foundation was adapted and applied with other various learning tools in accordance with change of time.

Microworld facilitators in Thailand

Suchin Petchaluck

Arnan (Roger) Sipitakiat

Taweesak Chaiongkarn

Pawana Woongsorm

Nalin Tutiyaphuengprasert

Nusarin Nusen