Authentic Learning relates learning to real world problems. Technology is used in the real world to solve problems, logically then technology must flow into education. If this is done properly, the students will then learn to make meaningful connections to problems encountered outside of the classroom. If all teachers could enable students to have problem solving abilities then education would be a success. Authentic achievement thus stands for intellectual accomplishments that are worthwhile, significant, an meaningful, such as those undertaken by successful adults.
Students learn by doing.
Shank gives the example that when children are at home during the first years of life, parents teach children how to walk, throw a ball etc. Shank believes that learning by doing is the answer to reform in education. The purpose of this article is to bring the use of technology in authentic learning environments into the discussion arena. In my opinion, technology is the best way to achieve authentic learning and as such, must be brought into the forefront. Teacher education programs and school districts must develop standards and implement those programs sooner rather than later.