Learning scientists and educational philosophers have long understood that when we learn with the combination of our hands and our minds, we see the best results. In the realm of science, this process is called \u201cinquiry\u201d—it encourages curious learners and scientific researchers alike to interact with the natural world to better understand it. In the social sciences, this hands-on learner approach is through role-play and participating in the real world, exemplified by Model UN student governments. Learners are encouraged to participate in the very organizations they\u2019re learning about.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not a new idea: American philosopher John Dewey was a major advocate of learning-through-doing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Still, the idea has struggled to gain a substantial foothold in our current systems of teaching and learning.<\/p>\n
Digital literacy—the ability to participate and create online—is fast becoming a skill equally as important as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Having the know-how to create online can empower individuals around the globe, no matter their geography or traditional educational background. Digital literacy creates unprecedented social and economic opportunities. We have a chance to advance the learning-by-doing approach through the spread of digital literacy.<\/p>\n
Mozilla is dedicated to coupling their digital literacy programs with a \u201cmake first\u201d approach that would make John Dewey grin. The Web shouldn’t be taught traditionally, with textbooks and a blackboard. The \u201csage on the stage\u201d approach is directly oppositional to the distributed and participatory nature of the Web Mozilla champions. Instead, learners should start by doing what they eventually intend to master: building apps, remixing content, creating web pages, and more. This \u201cmake first\u201d approach has always guided Mozilla\u2019s Learning Networks, a collection of Hives, Clubs, and annual celebrations like Maker Party and MozFest.<\/p>\n
Hive networks and communities<\/a>—soon to reach a total of 16—mix a \u201cmake first\u201d philosophy with a deep focus on collaboration. As a result, learners in the U.S., India, Canada, and beyond have created amazing stuff, like apps and tools that can protect the environment, make audio engineering simple, and teach robots to sing<\/a>. Hive educators and mentors understand that the best teachers empower their students by modeling and fostering creativity. As a result, Hive learners aren\u2019t just taking in information—they\u2019re also creating amazing things.<\/p>\n Mozilla Clubs<\/a>, which will formally launch after this July\u2019s two-week Maker Party<\/a>, follow the same philosophy. Empowered by an interactive curriculum, Club participants will learn the basics of coding, animation, user privacy, and more. The Clubs\u2019 flexible structure allows \u201cmake first,\u201d collaborative learning to take place anytime, anywhere.<\/p>\n This \u201cmake first\u201d philosophy also helps to motivate students. When learners reach a frustration point—that is, when a lack of knowledge becomes a blocker to their pursuits—they have an intrinsic motivation to push forward by learning new things. \u201cMake first\u201d allows them to do just this.<\/p>\n Further, a \u201cmake first\u201d approach is critical to more than just education—it ensures we\u2019re creating a populace ready for the future. Mozilla\u2019s Learning Network projects help empower entire cohorts of teachers and learners and seed innovation with incredible potential.<\/p>\n We hope you\u2019ll join Mozilla in teaching through making. To get involved, share your ideas and projects using the hashtag #TeachTheWeb. You can also tune in to the Teach The Web podcast<\/a>, or share your story with Mozilla<\/a>.<\/p>\n