It presents a representational, rather than a comprehensive, report of trends in research findings that are organized around some specific types of technologies.
The authors of the report hope to provide the reader with insights into the effect of technology on learning.
The 'TECHtypes' discussed are:
-Television and Video,
-Calculators or Graphing Calculators
-Engagement Devices (i.e. Interactive Whiteboards, Quick-response devices - as a non-techie, I am not sure what these devices are... so if anyone can shed some light...?),
-Portable ICT Devices (like PDA's, tablet PC's),
-Virtual Learning (Distance learning, Videoconferencing,...),
-In-School Computing (Computer Labs, In-Class computers, Library computers)
-One-to-One Computer Initiatives
This report's most direct link to our discussion of Authentic Learning is found in its organization of the technologies around categories of learning. The authors note that much of what we know about how people best learn is due to the advances of cognitive sciences. They identify five areas that are "all important aspects of a student's learning experiences".
The five all important types of learning are:
Automaticity
Content expertise or knowledge
Information processing and visualization
Higher-order thinking and sound reasoning
Authentic Learning
I find two things particularly interesting with this article.
First, it separates Higher-order thinking and Sound reasoning from the category of Authentic Learning. In my mind, the two are integral parts of one another.
Secondly, it showcases how few studies there are in current research that discuss Authentic Learning.
According to Table 1, the authors were unable to locate any studies utilizing Rigorous Research Methods (read Quantitative) on this topic very few using Descriptive Methods (Qualitative or Correlational). I would guess that the reason for this is that sometimes those things in life that are of most worth and value are difficult to quantify.
What do you think?
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