History of Makers (Educators)

• Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778): Author of Emile (On Education); believed children should develop naturally with their innate abilities 
• Johann Pestalozzi (1746-1827): inspired by Rousseau, believed in natural learning; balance between heart, head and hand; learning process from concrete to abstract, known to unknown, simple to complex
• Friedrich Froebel (1782-1852): designed kindergarten with an actual garden; created provocative objects used in multiple ways called "gifts," and guided material-based activities called "occupations"
• John Dewey (1859-1952): believed in life-long learning and personal motivation; authentic interdisciplinary projects; importance of community, democracy and play 
• Maria Montessori (1870-1952): used materials for learning specific concepts for preschoolers
• Jean Piaget (1896-1980): learning theory called constructivism; interdisciplinary learning
• Seymour Papert (1928- ): developed LOGO programming language at MIT; developed theory of constructionism
• The Tech Modern Railroad Club (TMRC) (1950s): early hackers from MIT using trains and early computers
• Reggio Emilia (1960s - ): created by Malaguzzi and colleagues, placed child at centre of learning; the environment is the "third teacher"; respects the rights, needs, talent and questions of children
• Computer Hobbyists: (1970s - 1980s): Silicon Valley's Homebrew Computer Club, included Jobs and Wozniak, founders of Apple Computer; tinkering with early computers
• MIT Media Lab (1985): Negroponte, with Wiesner, Papert and Minsky; convergence of technology, multimedia communication, and design

(Source: Invent to Learn, Martinez & Stager)