2.

3 Authentic Learning
Candidates model and facilitate the use of digital tools and resources to engage
students in authentic learning experience (PSC 2.3/ISTE 2c)
Artifact: Engaged Learning Project (written in ITEC 7400)
Reflection:
The Engaged Learning Project was completed in ITEC 7400. The goal was for
students to experience a technology based project with real authentic learning. It
was the type of assignment that I envision for my students and the main reason I
wanted to learn how to incorporate technology into my classroom.
For this project, students worked with partners to discover the height of objects on
the school campus, example the flag pole, the goal post, or the foul pole. For this
hands on activity to be technology based I set up a weebly. The weebly had
examples and practice problems for the students to work through to model the
application of the math process. They had to understand how to set the problem up
and work through the process using right angle trigonometry. The weebly had
different scenarios set up for the students to see how this math could be used in
real life. Some examples the students explored was to find the height of a tree or
the height of a building. The students used a clinometer to find the measure of the
angle. The students learned how surveyors use a similar device in real life. In the
class room I modeled an example using the clinometer. I then showed them the
correct math process on solving the problem. Once I felt comfortable the students
understood the method, I then was able to send them out on campus. The students
assumed the roles of explorer and producer for the assignment. I was acting as a
facilitator outside. Just making sure the students were staying on task. The
students were synthesizing information and engaged in a learning experience that
was authentic. The outcome was the students not only learned something in the
classroom, they were able to take the information and apply to a real-life setting.
This artifact taught me the importance of planning lessons through technology and
real life applications. The more authentic the more the students were engaged. I
have made a commitment to make more lesson plans that use technology and
authentic situations. The students connect with the material when they see how it
is useful in real life.
This artifact impacted student learning tremendously because it showed them what
they are learning in the classroom they can use in real life. They were more
engaged and curious on how this method worked. They understood that learning
math could be fun.