MIT - Media Lab - Master of Science
Massachusetts, USA, 2000-2002

Thesis
"Impacting the ecology of the learning atmosphere: The Trojan Horse as a Trojan horse"
[1st chapter - PDF - 0.3 MB ]

Advisor
David P. Cavallo
Readers
Seymour Papert (MIT Media Lab)
Caesar McDowell (MIT - Center for Reflective Community Practice)

Abstract
This thesis proposes a framework to model intervention in education systems using technology: the Learning Atmosphere. The motivation is to show that innovative learning with expressive technologies can happen even in economically disadvantaged regions, such as public education systems in Brazil, where our case studies took place. The contribution of the thesis is to explore ways in which mutual enrichment can be achieved through collective displacements of habits and mindsets taken for granted. The case studies demonstrate the importance and possibility of a powerful learning experience that builds up from the local culture and expertise, elements often disregarded in schools. Technology plays a central role, enabling diverse and innovative ways of working, expressing and building. In addition, it makes possible epistemological diversity, empowering of students and fulfillment to teachers, reinforcing the community's own livelihood.

Spring 2002

Independent study
David Cavallo

Thesis research
David Cavallo

Fall 2001

Learning Environments
Seymour Papert and David Cavallo

Narrating the Urban Environment
Brian Smith and Caesar McDowell

Thesis Preparation (MAS 940)
Prof. Lorin Wilde and Prof. Andy Lippman

Research in Media Technolopgy (MAS 910)

Spring 2001

The Society of Mind
Marvin Minsky
Nietzschean Idea Randomizer (Final paper, PDF)

Special Projects in Media Arts & Sciences
David Cavallo

Research in Media Technology (MAS 910)

Fall 2000

How to build (almost) anything (MAS 863)
Neil Gershenfeld and colleagues
Class Projects and final Project (Water Computer)

Systems and Self (MAS 714)
Mitchel Resnick and Sherry Turkle
"The suitcase" (in the spirit of Papert's gears - PDF)
"A new transparency: the expansive and expensive cultural dimension of user interfaces" (Final paper, PDF)

The nature of constructionist learning (MAS 790)
Bakhtiar Mikhak
"Beyond Dropping Eggs and Spaghetti Bridges" (PDF)
"Objects of Everyday Life" (Final Paper, PDF)

Research in Media Technology (MAS 910)