Authentic, contextualized, and real-world learning in online environment
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to investigate whether incorporating authentic and contextualized instruction methods in online courses replicates real world learning for students. The study examines the achievement scores and the quality of projects submitted by the undergraduate students from a college in upstate New York. The study compares the learning outcomes after employing two different pedagogical methods in an online environment. During the first eight weeks the instruction relies on a reading list of suggested references. During the second eight weeks the instruction leverages learning technology and interactive instruction styles. The study hopes to establish significant results in terms of student satisfaction and quality learning outcomes.