Title: Authentic E-Learning in higher education: Design principles for authentic learning environments and tasks
Abstract:With many learners failing to engage with didactic and outmoded instructional methods, and unwilling to use technology that simply replicates the one-way transfer of information from teacher to studen...With many learners failing to engage with didactic and outmoded instructional methods, and unwilling to use technology that simply replicates the one-way transfer of information from teacher to student, authentic learning designs have the potential to improve student engagement and educational outcomes. This paper argues that online technologies afford the design and creation of truly innovative authentic learning environments. The theoretical foundations of this approach are strong, and they are also explored, together with discussion of the importance of tasks as the focus of authentic activities. Finally, the case is made for a more comprehensive approach to investigating the effectiveness of authentic learning environments through design-based research. Authentic learning environments Despite the intuitive appeal of authentic learning environments, and much anecdotal evidence that they are effective in promoting higher order learning, such complex learning environments appear to be used only rarely in higher education courses. With many learners failing to engage with didactic and outmoded instructional methods (ref), and unwilling to use technology that simply replicates the one-way transfer of information from teacher to student, authentic learning designs have the potential to improve student engagement and educational outcomes. This paper describes the origins of 'authentic learning,' drawing largely on the theoretical constructs of situated learning and cognitive apprenticeships, and I summarize some of its defining characteristics. It then focuses more specifically on the task as the central focus for authentic activity, and concludes with suggestions for the dissemination of good practice and theory development through design-based research.Read More
Publication Year: 2006
Publication Date: 2006-10-01
Language: en
Type: article
Access and Citation
Cited By Count: 129
AI Researcher Chatbot
Get quick answers to your questions about the article from our AI researcher chatbot