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The use of emerging technologies for authentic learning: A S outh A frican study in higher education
Author(s) -
Bozalek Vivienne,
Gachago Daniela,
Alexander Lucy,
Watters Kathy,
Wood Denise,
Ivala Eunice,
Herrington Jan
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
british journal of educational technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.79
H-Index - 95
eISSN - 1467-8535
pISSN - 0007-1013
DOI - 10.1111/bjet.12046
Subject(s) - context (archaeology) , psychology , graduation (instrument) , emerging technologies , authentic learning , higher education , population , sample (material) , interview , pedagogy , medical education , sociology , medicine , computer science , engineering , chemistry , political science , geography , mechanical engineering , demography , archaeology , artificial intelligence , law , chromatography , anthropology
It is now widely accepted that the transmission of disciplinary knowledge is insufficient to prepare students leaving higher education for the workplace. Authentic learning has been suggested as a way to bring the necessary complexity into learning to deal with challenges in professional practice after graduation. This study investigates how S outh A frican higher educators have used emerging technologies to achieve the characteristics of authentic learning. A survey was administered to a population of 265 higher educators in S outh A frica who self‐identified as engaging with emerging technologies. From this survey, a sample of 21 respondents were selected to further investigate their practice through in‐depth interviewing using H errington, R eeves and O liver's nine characteristics of authentic learning as a framework. Interrater analysis undertaken by five members of the research team revealed both consistencies and differences among the twenty one cases across the nine elements of authentic learning. The highest levels of authenticity were found for the elements authentic context and task , and the lowest for articulation . Furthermore, there was a moderate correlation identified between levels of authenticity and the role played by emerging technologies in achieving the authenticity, showing a potentially symbiotic relationship between them.