Designing an authentic blend:

Development of a real-life learning environment for higher education

Tara Smith &

Jenni Parker

Introduction

….. in the 21st century world, content is so abundant as to make it a poor

foundation on which to base an educational system; rather, context

and meaning are the scarce but relevant commodities today.

(McCombs & Vakili 2005, p. 1582).

21st century workplace• A more student-centred learning approach that includes

pedagogical techniques such as online collaboration, case-based learning and problem based learning (Kim & Bonk, 2006)

will better prepare graduating university students for the first century workplace.

I cannot teach

anybody anything, I can only

make them think

- Socrates

Authentic Learning

Authentic tasks that encourage and support student engagement and immersion in a cognitive real environment can facilitate self-directed and independent learning (Herrington, 2006),

New Technologies• are transforming every

aspect of work• routine everyday tools

in modern workplaces• opportunity to create

engaging learning experiences that replicate realistic workplace situations enabling better support for student transition to the workplace

70% of tertiary

students(20-24)

are trying to combine

part or full time job& study

(ABS, 2008)

Blended Learning According to the research

blended learning environments should incorporate four key learning principles: – Relevance, – Authenticity– Interaction & – Reflection

This Study

The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of an authentic learning framework supported by new technologies for the design and implementation of a blended learning.

Partial educational

design research approach

(like action research)

iterative process

Research Questions

Elements of authentic learning?

- task engagement- collaborative learning

Elements of authentic tasks? – self directed learning

- portable skills- workplace ready

Authentic blended learning

model sustainable?

On-campus Off-campus

On Campus Off Campus

Authentic blended environment

Unit Design

Assign Task Unit Learning ObjectivesAssignment 1: IndividualDue week 4 – 20%Job Application & ePortfolio

Compare and contrast the major learning theories.Justify the need for and importance of, learning and development to support the achievement of organisational goals.

Assignment 2: IndividualDue week 8 – 30%Training Session & ePortfolio

Plan and evaluate a training session for a specified learning need.

Assignment 3: Due week 12 or 13 – 50%Training Program (pairs) & ePortfolio (individual)

Produce a training manual based on relevant and appropriate learning design principles.Conduct a planned training session for a specified learning need.

Herrington , Reeves & Oliver (2010) authentic learning framework

Scenario

ePortfolios

Learning & Assessment Tasks

• Tasks based on real work situations

• Sufficiently complex to ensure students utilised all concepts covered in the unit

• Produce a quality solution that would be acceptable in the workplace.

Herrington, Reeves & Oliver

(2010)

elements of authentic tasks

Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself

- Chinese proverb

Unit Implementation

• Blended course enabled students to vary participation between on campus seminars and online learning

• Some weeks on-campus workshop replaced with an online students activities

quantitative

Unit Evaluation Data will be collected from multiple sources

to develop a detailed understanding of student the experience.

Skype chat

Teacher reflections

qualitative

Discussion forums

Focus Group

Online Survey

eportfolios

BlogsUnit

evaluation

effectiveauthentic

ConclusionAn authentic blended learning environment:• Real-life experiences for higher ed students• Flexible learning options• Authentic assessments• Interactive, engaging and student centeredChallenges:• Students used to teacher-centered classrooms• Diverse student cohort• Sustainable model for widespread use

ReferencesSmith, T., & Parker, J. (2011). Designing an authentic blend: Development of a ‘real-life’ learning environment for higher education. In: Eculture 2011, 9-10 November 2011, Edith Cowan University (Joondalup Campus), Perth

http://edithcowan.academia.edu/JenniParker

Images: Langwitches flickr sets : http://www.flickr.com/photos/langwitches/sets/