Authentic Learning for the 21st Century

I have always been a hands-on learner so Marilyn Lombardi's article really hit home for me. I didn't realize (before reading Lombardi's article) that most people learn best be doing instead of listening. Now, with the use of technology in the educational setting, this authentic learning is even more accessible than most people have ever imagined.

Authentic learning takes place when students can construct their own learning from computer programs, software, and simulations as opposed to reading about it in a book or having someone (e.g. a teacher or guest speaker) stand in front of the classroom and tell students about it. When students experience authentic learning, they are able to take that learning and apply it to real-life situations as well as future learning in the classroom.

When students can "get their hands dirty" via technology, the learning they construct and experience takes on a much deeper meaning for them than reading about it in a textbook or watching a video about the same subject matter. The learning is life-long and the encoding of the information becomes much more deeply ingrained in students when technology is implemented and integrated in the classroom.