A programming language is like a natural, human language in that it favors certain methaphors, images, and ways of thinking.

The role of the teacher is to create the conditions for invention rather than provide ready-made knowledge.

The word constructionism is a mnemonic for two aspects of the theory of science education underlying this project. From constructivist theories of psychology we take a view of learning as a reconstruction rather than as a transmission of knowledge. Then we extend the idea of manipulative materials to the idea that learning is most effective when part of an activity the learner experiences as constructing a meaningful product.

What the gears cannot do the computer might. The computer is the Proteus of machines. Its essence is its universality, its power to simulate

If a kid really is retarded and can only come up to a certain level, he will still have more success if what he learns is connected with something important to him.

It's not what you know about the computer that's important, but your ability to do things with it. By studying French in an academic setting, you get to know a lot about it, but typically, you can't express yourself well or have an interesting conversation with it.

Undoubtedly, there are kids with intellectual deficiencies or neurological problems. But a lot of kids shunted into special education classes are deficient only in a willingness to conform to the school pattern.They are just honest, brave kids who say, "I just won't take that, and I don't believe in what you're doing." If you give them an alternative to the usual classroom, they break free of a lot of inhibitions and bad associations, and they begin to learn.