Abstract:

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.