authentictasks

10 design elements are suggested for the design of authentic tasks in web-based learning environments: Activities match as nearly as possible the real-world tasks of professionals in practice rather than decontextualised or classroom-based tasks. Problems inherent in the tasks are ill-defined and open to multiple interpretations rather than easily solved by the application of existing algorithms. Learners must identify their own unique tasks and sub-tasks in order to complete the major task. Tasks are completed in days, weeks and months rather than minutes or hours, requiring significant investment of time and intellectual resources. The task affords learners the opportunity to examine the problem from a variety of theoretical and practical perspectives, rather than a single perspective that learners must imitate to be successful. The use of a variety of resources rather than a limited number of preselected references requires students to detect relevant from irrelevant information. Collaboration is integral to the task, both within the course and the real world, rather than achievable by an individual learner. Tasks need to enable learners to make choices and reflect on their learning both individually and socially. Tasks encourage interdisciplinary perspectives and enable diverse roles and expertise rather than a single well-defined field or domain. Assessment of tasks is seamlessly integrated with the major task in a manner that reflects real world assessment, rather than separate artificial assessment removed from the nature of the task. Tasks culminate in the creation of a whole product rather than an exercise or sub-step in preparation for something else. Tasks allow a range and diversity of outcomes open to multiple solutions of an original nature, rather than a single correct response obtained by the application of rules and procedures. © 2005 Faculty of Education, University of Wollongong.
 * 1) **Authentic tasks have real-world relevance**
 * 1) **Authentic tasks are ill-defined, requiring students to define the tasks and sub-tasks needed to complete the activity**
 * 1) **Authentic tasks comprise complex tasks to be investigated by students over a sustained period of time**
 * 1) **Authentic tasks provide the opportunity for students to examine the task from different perspectives, using a variety of resources**
 * 1) **Authentic tasks provide the opportunity to collaborate**
 * 1) **Authentic tasks provide the opportunity to reflect**
 * 1) **Authentic tasks can be integrated and applied across different subject areas and lead beyond domain-specific outcomes**
 * 1) **Authentic tasks are seamlessly integrated with assessment**
 * 1) **Authentic tasks create polished products valuable in their own right rather than as preparation for something else**
 * 1) **Authentic tasks allow competing solutions and diversity of outcome**