Reflection #10

(1) Describe the Resource / Experience:
During my resource search this week, I discovered an article by Marilyn M. Lombardi entitled “Authentic Learning for the 21st Century: An Overview”. It discusses authentic learning, its effectiveness, its importance, and how it is enhanced by technology.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom / Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
As for classroom applications, in my last reflection journal entry, I mentioned that I would like to learn more about authentic learning so that I will be more capable of constructing and implementing authentic learning experiences/opportunities into my classroom instruction. In correlation with these ideas, this article talks about how technology is a great way to easily develop and incorporate authentic learning experiences into the classroom. The article said that technology was a great vehicle to achieve authentic learning experiences because sometimes it’s very difficult to give learners authentic “being there” experiences. However, the article suggested that technology allows students to actively participate in simulations of “being there” experiences, which is the next best thing. Therefore, I have learned that integrating authentic learning experiences into the classroom may not be as difficult as I first thought. I have learned that I need to find and research some technological tools that can help me accomplish the task of creating and implementing authentic learning experiences/opportunities into my classroom.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly link to the following resource from my Resource Log:

Lombardi, M. M. (2007, May). Authentic learning for the 21st century: An overview. Educause Learning Initiative. Retrieved from http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI3009.pdf

These ideas directly relate to some of the research I have been conducting for my Module C WikiText chapter about authentic learning. A lot of the information I have read about authentic learning, suggested that technology was a great way to create and implement authentic learning experiences within the classroom.