Students report that they are motivated by solving real-world problems and that they prefer learning by doing as opposed to watching. "Learning by doing is generally considered the most effective way to learn" (Lombardi, 2007). In Authentic learning for the 21st century: Overview, Lombardi describes authentic learning as focusing "on real-world, complex problems and their solutions, using role-playing exercises, problem-based activities, case studies, and participation in virtual communities of practice." Authentic learning can be presented through ten elements: real-world relevance, open-ended problems, investigation, multiple sources, collaboration, reflection, interdisciplinary lessons and integrated assessments, production of products and open interpretations. Through the use of technology, teachers now have access to digital archives, databases and other resources that promote authentic learning. Technology offers the opportunity to for students to use rare or expensive equipment and interpret data for themselves. Additionally, software visualizations, images and audio "bring abstractions to life."
Overall, we live in a changing society in which technology is becoming more prevalent in all that we do and it is important that we use this to our advantage and help children learn through a different mode. I use many online resources to enhance my students' learning. PebbleGo is a great source for children to read about and investigate features of animals during our animal science unit. I introduce the database whole group in the computer lab, which is always a pleasure for them. Then, they can use the program at the computer literacy center. They can click on an animal and have the facts read to them, listen to the noise the animal makes and take a quiz about it. Another great resource that I use in my class is Discovery Education. This online resource allows children to having more authentic learning experiences through videos. From these sources of information, my students are able to construct their own knowledge and answer their own questions.
As a huge proponent of authentic learning, it is important to provide meaningful experiences in the classroom with or without the use of technology. One of the authentic activities in which my students engage are planting and growing seeds as part of our plant unit. After learning about the parts of the plant and plant needs, the students take care of the plants by watering them and keeping them by the window to get sunlight. In addition, they maintain observation notebooks in which they write and draw pictures to reflect their observations. Another authentic learning experience from our curriculum is the raising of mealworms to darkling beetles. The children learn about its life cycle and needs for survival, and record their observations in a separate observation journal. These are very enjoyable, engaging learning experiences for kindergarten students. They engage in inquiry and many of the ten elements of authentic learning mentioned in the article by Lombardi (2007). While learning a lot about the plant and animal life cycles, these are sure to be lessons that the children remember for years to come. Science may lend itself more to authentic learning, however, most lessons can be arranged so that there is some interdisciplinary learning which makes them more meaningful.
References
Discovery Education (2010). Discovery Education [computer software]. Available from
http://www.discoveryeducation.com
Lombardi, M. M. (2007). Authentic learning for the 21st century: Overview. Educause Learning
Initiative. Retrieved from net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI3009.pdf
PebbleGo: The emergent reader research solution. Capstone Digital. Available from
http://www.pebblego.com/
