ABSTRACT
In the Learner-Active, Technology-Infused Classroom, the students spend much of the time engaging in learning activities that they've chosen or found, thus taking charge of their own learning. Learning activities have three components: a specific content focus, directions, and feedback. The learning map should make to think through the learning process and map out the skills students will need to learn. One way students participate in learning is through a benchmark lesson—a whole-class lesson focused on triggering awareness of what students need to learn at different points throughout the Authentic Learning Unit. The intent of the benchmark lesson is to "trigger awareness" of what skills and concepts students need to accomplish their problem-based task. Podcasts, screencasts, and videos, like how-to sheets, focus on a single skill or narrow set of skills so that each does not require too much time to complete. Homework should be meaningful and purposeful. There is a cognitive benefit to providing students with homework.
