Guidelines for Implementing Authentic Tasks in Web-Based Environments

Although authentic tasks can be incorporated more easily in web-based learning environments as course management systems have become more flexible, many higher education instructors remain uncertain about how to design engaging authentic learning environments. With advances in learning theory and technology, there is increased potential for authentic tasks to be used as the primary underlying pedagogy for supporting learning in face-to-face, blended, and totally online courses. These tasks can range from relatively simple life examples that serve as vehicles for practicing specific skills to a more radical approach of building a whole course around a compelling authentic task.

In this seminar, Reeves will describe the theory, research, and development underlying authentic tasks in web-based learning environments as well as practical design guidelines for implementing this innovative approach.