Learning in Authentic Contexts: Projects Integrating Spatial Technologies and Fieldwork

Abstract

In recent years, professional practice has been an issue of concern in higher education. The purpose of this study is to design students' projects to facilitate collaborative learning in authentic contexts. Ten students majoring in Management Information Systems conducted fieldwork with spatial technologies to collect data and provided information works for communities. Activity theory was used to analyze the activity system of the project. The results showed that the project had positive effects on students' attitudes toward practical knowledge and social communication. In the end, the author suggests the benefits and problems related to promoting learning through integration with community practices.

Keywords:

• Authentic learning
• community of practices
• geographic information system
• project-based learning
• situated learning