Reflection #11

(1) Describe the Resource / Experience:
During my resource search this week, I discovered a National Geographic website entitled “Forces of Nature”. This website has a simulation feature that allows individuals to manipulate weather conditions to create virtual hurricanes, tornadoes, volcanoes, and earthquakes. I thought this site was a great example of a technology-enhanced authentic learning activity.
(2) Lessons Learned / Applications for the Classroom / Recommendations for Yourself or Others:
Through this week’s resource search and through interacting with this example of technology-enhanced authentic learning, I have discovered the true value of using authentic learning experiences inside the classroom. As for recommendations for myself and other teachers, I would recommend that we try to incorporate more authentic learning experiences into our everyday classroom instruction. I have learned that the authentic learning instructional method is a very useful and valuable teaching tool to have in my instructional strategy repertoire. I have learned that authentic learning experiences help students make the meaningful connections between their new learning and their prior knowledge/real-world experiences that are fundamental to the constructivist learning theory.
(3) Links to Readings, Resources, or Discussions:
These ideas directly link to the following resource from my Resource Log:

National Geographic Society (2009). Forces of Nature. Retrieved February 25, 2009 from, http://www.nationalgeographic.com/forcesofnature/interactive/index.html?section=t

This resource directly relates to the research my group has been conducting about authentic learning, technology, and constructivism for chapter 3 of our WikiText entitled “Authentic Learning”.