Authentic Learning Tools

I am researching the notion of Authentic Learning in the classroom. My past blogs have been about breaking down what the concept means. In essence, authentic learning is bringing real-world experiences in any way shape or form to the curriculum. In authentic learning environments, students are able to apply their knowledge to the world outside. Sometimes the curriculum has students participating in real research, or adding data to a scientific study, sometimes authentic curriculum is simulated. Some examples of tools used in authentic classrooms:

Simulations: There are surprisingly many programs available to use to simulate real-world problems, events that actually occurred, or that will be managed in the future. Students use models and real conditions and collaborate to solve real issues as if they were there, and employed to do so.

Student-created Media: Students make their own models to study. the construction gives the students a chance to use higher-level thinking and look at what they are studying from different angles and close-up.

Inquiry-based: Not to be confused with the inquiry-based teaching method we are all familiar with, Inquiry-based authentic learning, also called, "The Learning Initiative matches up professors across curriculums. Cognitive scientists put together a profile of a typical learner and the challenges that learner faces in a particular subject, and then a real-world problem is applied to that lack of knowledge, and professors form all related subjects collaborate to make simulation models based on where that student needs to learn. Basically, this is a collaborative efforts by professors to reevaluate their own teaching and improve their effectiveness.

Working with Remote Instruments: These programs allow students from around the world to use browser interface and software to run specialized equipment that may be located somewhere else. Scientists allow classroom use of their measurement tools, radars, etc., but get to decide when.

Working With Research Data: Students can be anywhere and contribute to a scientific study. Shared data is used to find the flights of migratory birds, or search space quadrants for other planets.

Peer-based Evaluation: Ummm...you're looking at it. We are doing this with our collective blogs. We can assess each other, ask questions, etc.

Reflecting and Documenting Achievements: This may be even more accurate in respect to the Learner's First project we are doing for our science methods classes. Taking peer-based evaluation one step further, involving the professor. Students and professors look at student learning and work documented online searching for patterns, and evaluating accordingly. We at Drake also all use an e-portfolio for all graduating students where we keep school projects, reflections, achievements, located in one place, and that we can then use for job interviews. Out in the real-world.

Adapted and retrieved November 6th from http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI3009.pdf